Documente Academic
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by Alex Herrera
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www.intel.com
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omputers arent one-size-fitsall. From servers to PCs to tablets and smartphones, virtually
all digital devices share a common
foundation of computing and visualization technology yet each device is
designed for a specific type of use and
to address a specific set of computing
needs.
ISV CERTIFICATION: A
WORKSTATIONS CROWN
The workstation addresses more
than a few professional priorities, but
reliability tops them all. That reliability
starts with certification by software
developers that the workstation you
buy will reliably run your software.
Systems that pass muster earn the
stamp of ISV-certified workstation
(where ISV stands for independent
software vendor, such as Autodesk or
Dassault Systmes). How does a workstation achieve that certification? The
answer is simple: testing, and lots of
it. The workstation OEM and the ISV
team up to put new system configurations through exhaustive testing at
both system and board (for example,
graphics card) levels. The certification
team runs a suite of regression tests on
each new workstation configuration
hardware and software and if the
results match previously known, good
results, then that new configuration is
deemed to be reliable and receives certification. If an error is detected, the
team isolates the bug, works to fix it,
then reruns regression tests. The cycle
continues until the entire regression
test suite passes.
The end result? Users get a system that
their ISV stands behind, one proven to
run their mission-critical applications.
On the flip side, ISVs will understand-
TIP
When it comes to
data storage options,
workstations offer some of
the best. Consider the SSD
for improved performance
and reliability over the
standard HDD, and
seriously consider RAID if
you need a cost-effective,
viable option for protecting
your data.
INVEST IN THE
LATEST HARDWARE
Sharing core technology with PCs,
servers, and supercomputers has its
benefits. Economy of scale is one,
allowing all users to benefit from one
massive investment in research and
development, which among other
benefits puts workstation platforms
on an aggressive 12- to 18-month
refresh cycle. Each new generation
introduces CPUs that deliver roughly
50% more cores than their predecessors and that might run 20% faster,
GPUs that double their FLOPS, and
memory and storage capacity that
grows geometrically.
But that doesnt mean a CAD professional needs to replace his or her
machine every year to maintain a
system thats competitive. A mid-life
workstation upgrade to add memory
and storage or swap in a new CPU or
GPU can go a long way. That ease of
expansion and upgrade is yet another
reason to opt for a workstation.
Deskside workstations typically offer
more in the way of add-in card slots,
memory sockets, and drive bays; in the
case of premium models, youll get far
more.
And try not to let bad memories of
servicing a computer deter an opportunity to upgrade today. Years ago,
there were too many standards and