New version of SPECwpc benchmark extends
performance measurement to virtualized workstations
GAINESVILLE, Va., June 3, 2015 – The SPEC Workstation Performance Characterization Group (SPECwpc) has released an updated benchmark that extends performance measurement from physical to virtualized workstation configurations.
The new SPECwpc V1.2 benchmark measures all key aspects of workstation performance based on diverse professional applications. Members of the SPECwpc project group include AMD, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Micron, NVIDIA and VMware.
Meeting a growing need
The ability to measure comprehensive performance for virtualized workstations comes at a time when the market is in its early growing stages, according to Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research.
"Our conservative estimates project workstation-capable virtual desktop installations increasing from essentially zero two years ago to nearly 350,000 clients by 2018," says Peddie. "The newest version of the SPECwpc benchmark gives users and vendors a proven tool to evaluate virtualized performance based on leading professional applications."
Comprehensive performance picture
“Desktop virtualization is an important option for a wide range of professionals using popular workstation applications,” says Tom Fisher, SPECwpc chair. “The latest version of SPECwpc software provides a comprehensive picture of performance for both physical and virtualized workstations."
The SPECwpc V1.2 benchmark supports various hypervisors for creating and running virtual machines. It also includes graphical user interface (GUI) improvements and new automation for results reporting.
More than 30 workloads in the SPECwpc V1.2 benchmark test CPU, graphics, I/O and memory bandwidth. The tests are divided by application categories that include media and entertainment (3D animation, rendering), product development (CAD/CAM/CAE), life sciences (medical, molecular), financial services, energy and general operations. Individual scores are generated for each test and a composite score for each category.
The benchmark does not require the full application and associated licensing to be installed on the system under test, simplifying set-up, running and results reporting.
The SPECwpc V1.2 benchmark runs under the 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 SP1.
Free downloads for non-commercial users
The SPECwpc V1.2 benchmark is available for immediate download under a two-tiered pricing structure: free for non-commercial users and $5,000 for commercial entities. Commercial entities are defined as organizations using the benchmark for the purpose of marketing, developing, testing, consulting for and/or selling computers, computer services, graphics devices, drivers or other systems in the computer marketplace.
About SPEC
SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes, maintains and endorses standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance for the newest generation of computing systems. Its membership comprises more than 100 leading computer hardware and software vendors, educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies worldwide.
###
Media contact: Bob Cramblitt, Cramblitt & Company, 919-481-4599, [email protected]
Company, product and service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
|
