Tech giants back start-up’s game-changing 3D visualisation platform

Andy Bowker, ebb3’s Executive Founder, comments: “Before now, engineers using 3D graphical software like Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation were confined to a workstation in a fixed location. We designed the HPVC to push new boundaries, making it possible to deliver 3D graphics to 4K screens, and to give access to 3D graphical applications smoothly and seamlessly, wherever there’s an internet connection.”

3D graphical applications, which are used by engineers globally on projects such as the recent expansion of the Panama Canal, require powerful hardware to run smoothly.

Workstations require a significant amount of power to run at peak performance, contributing to an average running cost of just under £30,000 per year for organisations with 5 mid-range workstations. Traditional workstations are fixed to one location, and only allow one user to access the software.

The HPVC outperforms many physical workstations in specification, while saving businesses an average of 40% in maintenance costs compared to traditional workstations. It reduces power consumption and time pressure to update software, and while physical workstations allow a single user to utilise 3D graphical applications, the HPVC provides software access for up to 50 users at any one time, from any location.

Flexibility is in high demand. With the increase in productivity that working remotely provides, flexible working has been a significant factor for businesses seeking a Virtual Desktop Interface, with 48% of firms citing potential for mobile and remote working as the main factor behind their adoption of a virtualised solution. 85% of firms report satisfaction with the mobility and flexibility provided by virtually hosted software and data.

The HPVC was developed by Andy Bowker with co-founders Ben Jones, Mark Vickers, Simon Cottrell, Paul Williams and Chris Brassington when they identified multiple challenges faced by companies using 3D visualisation applications. ebb3’s 'A Team' are experienced technology innovators and entrepreneurs. They have held senior positions at Cisco, HP, BT, NCR and Capgemini, and have worked on infrastructure projects such as The London Olympics.

Co-founder Bowker comments: “With the HPVC, engineers can show prospective clients 3D wireframe models on an iPad instead of a printout, or collaborate on a project while one partner is in London and one is at a conference in Las Vegas, without the lag or performance issues of physical workstations or legacy virtualisation solutions. This is a game changer for the industry.”