Creating VR solutions with Citrix technology

Citrix technology will be used within the ebb3 High Performance Virtual Computer (HPVC) system, leveraging the Cisco UCS platform to help create VR solutions with an 'on-net capability'. This literally untethers VR users from dated physical workstations and enables them to work on designs from a remote location. Currently, VR technology is constrained by 'corded' or poor wireless connectivity.

ebb3’s HPVC system with Citrix technology will further improve the data management and transfer process for VR design tools, making it easier for users to access design projects regardless of their location or device, and even enabling multiple users to work on one project at the same time.

'Data gravity' - a phenomenon that sees large computer files become impossible to download and transfer - is a serious issue in VR, and can hinder designers from applying the technology to their projects. The HPVC solution resolves this challenge and can reduce the time required during the concept design stage by up to 50%.

Speaking about the development, Christian Reilly, CTO at Citrix, commented: “It is impressive to see how ebb3 is expanding the application of Citrix technology to enhance their solutions for VR users. With its cloud-based system, VR design is now available to an even broader array of designers, helping to truly free them from their desks.”

Chintan Patel, CTO Office, Cisco UK & Ireland, explained: “Cisco has been working with ebb3 for the past three years to develop unique high graphical computing solutions for the design market. VR is an exciting emerging trend that is transforming the design industry. Using Cisco high speed end-to-end network infrastructure and data centre solutions to move the VR engine from the desktop to the data centre, centralises the design workflow into one place and allows visualisation on any device.

"This enables designers to create more differentiation, as it provides them a higher degree of flexibility that allows them to create faster and more accurate designs.”

This is the latest example of the ebb3 HPVC system being harnessed to enhance the performance of VR solutions. Scan International, the UK’s supplier of computer hardware and PC components, chose to work with ebb3 when it moved into the enterprise market space.

Elan Raja, CEO at Scan International, said: “With ebb3’s cloud-based system, we now have a VR solution that, in terms of capability and flexibility, offers superb useability, making it more than ideal for a wide range of business uses.”

Mark Vickers, CEO at ebb3, added: “Working with Citrix, we’re looking forward to overcoming the limitations of current VR technology, so we can liberate designers literally and figuratively - not only enabling them to work when and where they want, but giving their imaginations free rein as well.

“Together, we’re confident we can usher in a new age of VR design, making the technology accessible to all, and providing them with the tools they need to work faster and design better.”

The new ebb3 VR solution with Citrix technology will be launched in mid 2018. The solution will be available exclusively to Dassault Systemes users before being offered to the global market.