IBM, Citrix and NVIDIA
Solution Brief
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Extends the benefits of virtualization to CAD and rich media users
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Leverages advanced technologies, services and support from industry leaders
• Helps IT deliver high performance, flexibility and mobility
Engineering, design and manufacturing organizations can now extend the benefits of virtualization to their PTC Creo users in a fully supported, certified solution that delivers a true desktop experience with accelerated graphics and reliable access to enterprise applications.
That wasn’t always the case. Until recently, users of computer-aided design (CAD) applications like PTC Creo had to maintain separate, expensive, power-hungry workstations and IT infrastructures to handle the demanding network bandwidth and rendering capabilities needed for hyper-realistic concept design and modeling. While the rest of the organization went mobile, these power users were tied to their desks, limiting flexibility and interaction with others.
Citrix, IBM and NVIDIA have collaborated to deliver their advanced hardware and software technologies together in a joint solution that is certified to enable PTC Creo in a virtual environment. The rigorous testing and verification processes PTC Creo completed for compatibility with the partner technologies ensure end users have the best possible experience. Although Citrix was first to certify, each company brings a unique element to the solution; synergy makes this a successful combination.
Specifically, these certified technologies include NVIDIA GRID K2 graphics processing unit (GPU) cards; Citrix XenDesktop with HDX
3D Pro software for hosting and remotely delivering rich graphics applications from the datacenter to any device; and the IBM System x® iDataPlex® dx360 M4 server. The IBM iDataPlex server offers extraordinary performance for applications like PTC Creo that demand extreme computational power. Its energy-efficient design also provides savings on space, power and cooling.

IBM, Citrix and NVIDIA
Solution Brief
In a nutshell, IBM brings the hardware efficiency, density and stability; Citrix brings the flexible virtual environment and highdefinition technologies for fast, stunning visuals; and NVIDIA
GPU boards bring the power to efficiently offload graphics processing, so PTC Creo can be used more productively.
Together, they deliver cost savings, performance and a seamless user experience. With favorable licensing and full support from
PTC, enterprise IT departments can focus more on providing value to the business, and less on day-to-day operations.
In addition to clear performance enhancements, running PTC
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Creo in a virtual desktop setting, no matter which model works best for your organization, also offers:
Improved flexibility so teams can work on demand, no matter where they are
Faster speed, to access models quickly with lower latency, including assembly and part files
Greater control, with better management of workloads and choices for devices and platforms
Reduced IT expenses when high-end graphics workstations and extra laptops are consolidated, power demands are lowered, and physical space is freed up for other uses
Increased intellectual property security, as corporate data remains on servers, not vulnerable desktops
Greater consistency, as each user is on the same version of
PTC Creo, with fewer updates for IT to handle
IBM offers additional GRID-capable solutions for virtual CAD environments, such as the IBM NeXtScale server. And Citrix continues to enhance XenDesktop with HDX 3D Pro to offer the best user experience. A live demo featuring IBM, Citrix and
NVIDIA technologies running PTC Creo is available at the
IBM Global Solutions Center in Coppell, TX. To learn more about these partners, please visit:
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June 2014
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