Nvidia expands virtual GPU software to support employees working from home

Global chipmaker Nvidia has expanded its free virtual graphic processing unit (vGPU) software evaluation from 128 licenses to 500 for 90 days, to support people working remotely during the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Physical computing devices use GPUs to perform complex workflows, such as running 3D applications or streaming videos. However, this is not ideal for those working remotely as GPUs are tied to physical devices. A vGPU can be installed on a physical GPU in a server, creating virtual GPUs that can be shared and allocated between multiple virtual machines, the company wrote in a blog post. 

The software can be used by agencies coordinating critical services, healthcare providers using telemedicine and schools setting up virtual classrooms, the company said in a statement. It also helps financial professionals who work with data on multiple screens, scientists conducting research or designers using graphic-intensive applications, and enterprises that are faced with different workloads with different requirements, it added.

The Santa Clara, California-based company said the licenses will help companies use their on-premises Nvidia GPUs to provide accelerated virtual infrastructure so people can work and collaborate from anywhere.

Companies can also temporarily reuse Nvidia GPUs on multiple projects for 90 days as well, the company said. 

Additionally, users can access its GPU Technology Conference (GTC) sessions, to be held for five days starting March 24, for free. One can virtually attend training sessions, listen to podcasts and seek one-on-one sessions with experts.

Nvidia recently announced that its genome-sequencing software Parabricks could be accessed for free by researchers fighting the Covid-19 virus.