A virtual workstation uses both virtualization hardware and software technologies that, when combined, provides end users with an uncompromised workstation experience.  It gives engineers and IT user’s concurrent access to key workstation hardware functions previously not available with traditional virtualization technologies. Through this approach, you get near native access to key workstation services, such as those delivered by graphics cards or NICS, needed to run multiple high-performance applications regardless of the operating system they run on. . Best of all, with Intel® Virtualization technology for directed I/O, delivered by Parallels Workstation Extreme, you will be able to leverage this new virtual workstation capability in ways that improve workflows across operating systems while reducing IT management requirements.  This is a win/win for both you and IT.

Ok we have segregated compute resources between IT and the user. 

What can you get with Intel’s VT/d technology? 

How many times have you been faced with a need to run an application that runs on a prehistoric OS, or that runs 32 bit OS when your entire environment is running on 64 bit? Or maybe you need run two different graphics-intensive workloads in a LINUX and Microsoft Windows® environment.  With Intel VT-d and Parallels™ Workstation Extreme software you may be able to do just that at near-native speeds.

What else can you do with a virtualized workstation?

Have you ever been in a situation where one application requires version X and another application you use daily requires version Y of the same OS.  With Intel VT/d and Parallels™ Extreme® software you may be able run both at near native performance at the same time.  No rebooting, no dual booting or emulation required.  Just fast, seamless answers to complex problems – across multiple segments like Oil & Gas, DCC, Manufacturing, and Research.

Ever hear of a digital workbench?

It is a tool that designers and engineers use to perform what many call digital prototyping or simulation based engineering.  It is usually a set of tools that combine needs for LINUX and Microsoft Window® based applications to create and test their ideas.  Think of a virtual wind tunnel where simulations are performed in a LINUX environment and the design and visualization is performed in a friendly Microsoft Windows® environment.  With Intel VT-d and Parallels Workstation Extreme you can do both at near native speed.  That means interactive product development and engineering, and that leads to potentially better deigns in less time.

Do you need a virtualized workstation?

If you have a need to run applications in different OSes, diverse OS levels or types, or you need to visualize in different OSes, then answer is probably yes.

To learn more about Intel Virtualization Technology please visit www.intel.com/go/workstation.

To see an online demo of Parallels™ Workstation Extreme software please visit http://www.parallels.com/products/extreme

Do you really need a workstation?  It depends…. While I am biased, the actual investment difference between an entry level Intel-based workstation and an Intel-based business desktop with similar graphics features has compressed so much that today the answer is -------------------------------------yes you really do need a workstation. I was recently at an ISV's user meeting and workstaion vendors were demonstrating visually compelling reasons to make that leap to a workstation from a desktop.   So what is an Intel-based workstation when compared to a business desktop?  Similar to the difference between a professional athlete and recreational athlete; workstations are typically faster and smarter at what they do.  Workstations are purpose built to do a job.  They provide the necessary processing capacity, access to the professional grade graphics adapters and enough expansion to accommodate the memory capacity you need to work with a: • Bigger canvas if your are digital content creator, • Larger assemblies if your are product designer, or • More complete oil reservoirs if you are a geophysicist. But if you want to really increase the pace you can create, you may want to step up to a virtual workbench that delivers near supercomputing performance to your workstation.  That is another blog. To learn which Intel based workstation is best for your needs please use our “Mobile, Professional, Expert—Which processor is right for your workstation needs tool” on http://www.intel.com/products/workstation/processors