January 2017 Summaries

Rescale's newly introduced In-Browser Desktops feature simplifies the process of connecting to a remote desktop for pre/post-processing and visualization tasks by allowing users to access it directly through a modern web browser with just a few clicks. This feature eliminates the need to set a password, download a connection file, or run a tunnel script, thus providing a fast and secure connection over HTTPS, even behind a firewall. Users can choose between using the In-Browser Desktop or continuing with the traditional method of downloading a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Virtual Network Computing (VNC) client file. The streamlined process for launching an In-Browser Desktop involves selecting "Visualize" for a running job, confirming the Desktop configuration, and connecting directly, making it a more efficient alternative to the multi-step process required when using a personal remote desktop client.

Cloud-based simulations are becoming increasingly popular among enterprises for their ability to provide instant scalability and enhance the time-to-value for new product innovations. In parallel, the integration of AI with medical imaging is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling earlier and more accurate disease detection through cloud platforms. Spike Aerospace is at the forefront of aviation innovation, working on the world's first supersonic business jet with Quiet Supersonic Flight technology, which involves extensive engineering simulations. Additionally, industry leaders in digital engineering are shaping the future through events like the NAFEMS World Congress, which gathers experts to discuss advancements in modeling and simulation.

As of 2017, the enterprise software industry is witnessing a transformative shift toward cloud adoption, with a mere 6% penetration suggesting significant growth potential in the $4 trillion enterprise IT market. This shift has been marked by three pivotal phases: Cloud 1.0 (SaaS), which revolutionized business models and software delivery; Cloud 2.0 (Big Data), which unlocked insights from vast datasets; and now Cloud 3.0 (Big Compute), which promises to eliminate compute hardware constraints and enable seamless scalability of computational workloads. Big Compute is poised to drive innovation across industries by facilitating the execution of complex algorithms on specialized, scalable infrastructure, a shift exemplified by the rise of deep learning as its first major application. Deep learning, a subset of machine learning, leverages GPU hardware for parallel processing, making it accessible through Big Compute's software-defined capabilities. This evolution enables enterprises to harness advanced computing without deep technical expertise, fostering a new era of predictive analytics and simulation-driven insights. Companies like Rescale are at the forefront, providing platforms that democratize access to Big Compute capabilities, thereby unlocking unprecedented innovation and business value across various sectors.

Companies are increasingly transitioning to high-performance computing (HPC) in the cloud to access flexible, pay-per-use resources without the need for large capital investments or asset management. This shift enables them to utilize a diverse range of hardware and enhances innovation, but there are several less obvious benefits that are transforming business operations. Access to cloud HPC resources can attract and retain top engineering talent by offering cutting-edge tools, thereby preventing dissatisfaction with outdated technology. Additionally, the cloud provides organizational agility, allowing companies to quickly scale workloads and access new technologies without the financial and logistical burdens of traditional infrastructure. This flexibility enables faster innovation and product development, even when maintaining some on-premise resources. Moreover, leveraging cloud services allows organizations to focus on their core competencies instead of IT management, freeing up resources to concentrate on strategic objectives and customer-centric activities. These transformative benefits, while difficult to quantify, contribute to long-term growth in market share and profitability.