At the VMWorld 2015, AMD unveils the world’s first hardware based virtualization with the help of their FirePRO series GPUs – Enabling consistent, predictable and secure performance for virtualized workstations via the AMD Multiuser GPU technology. With up to 15 virtual workstations per GPU, the technology aims to address the current limitations of current virtualized solutions to provide a predictable performance for CAD, media & entertainment, and general needs of workstation graphics users.
The AMD Multiuser GPU technology, combined with the FirePRO graphics, fully supports distributed compute capabilities with features supporting DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.4. The AMD Multiuser GPU technology is designed to work on environments using VMware vSphere/ESXi 5.5 and up, with support for remote protocols such as Horizon View.
Built around industry standard SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) technology, the AMD Multiuser GPU continues AMD’s embracement of non-proprietary open standards. SR-IOV is a specification developed by the PCI SIG, and provides a standardized way for devices to expose hardware virtualization. The AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to preserve and support graphics- and compute-accelerated features for design and manufacturing or media and entertainment applications. The AMD Multiuser GPU addresses limitations of current virtualized GPU solutions that may not provide predictable performance for CAD/CAE, Media and Entertainment, and general enterprise GPU needs.
Created for GPU-accelerated workflows such as GPU compute and OpenCL™, the AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to overcome the limitations of software-based virtualization such as reduced end-user performance. Users have access to native AMD display drivers for OpenGL, DirectX™ and OpenCL acceleration, enabling work without restrictions.
Additional AMD Multiuser GPU features include:
- Compute capabilities based on OpenCL supported by industry leading GPU virtualization
- Full feature set support including DirectX™ 12 and OpenGL 4.4
- OpenCL 2.0 acceleration support
- Stable, predictable performance
- User-owned share of local memory providing additional security
- 15 maximum users per physical GPU
AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to work on environments using VMware vSphere/ESXi 5.5 and up, with support for remote protocols such as Horizon View.
AMD strives to provide world-class professional graphics hardware for companies desiring to implement virtualized environments. To help IT managers with the installation process and ongoing support, there are no additional per-seat software costs from AMD beyond the purchase of the AMD Multiuser GPU.
