NVIDIA has released the new Grid Visual Computing Appliance, marking the chipmaker’s foray into new markets as its conventional PC market loses steam.
The GPU-based system runs complex applications such as those from Adobe Systems Incorporated, Autodesk and Dassault Systèmes and sends the graphics output over the network for display on client computers like Windows, Linux or Mac.
The new system allows employees of small- and medium-sized companies to access sophisticated graphics for performing tasks such as image processing without any requirement of offering each employee with a top-tier PC.
It can be stacked four units high, with each unit featuring two Intel Xeon processors that can handle 16 threads, or programmes, at a time.
Each server also comprises eight Grid graphics cards featuring two Kepler-based graphics chips, or graphics processing units (GPUs) and several of Nvidia’s high-end graphics processors.
Targeted at firms with limited IT infrastructure, the company is also collaborating with HP, IBM and Dell to sell additional virtual graphics product for larger firms.
In addition, Nvidia introduced its Tegra mobile processors, including Logan, which is expected to be launched in 2014, while Parker, the other chip variant, is claimed to be ten times as powerful as current chips upon its launch in 2015.
During the second quarter of 2013, Nvidia is also planning to begin shipping the new Project Shield hand-held gaming device powered by its Tegra 4 processor and a built-in screen.
