FASTdesk GPU delivers 112x speed boost
Two years ago UKFast launched FASTdesk, a service enabling businesses to log in to a desktop from anywhere in the world, from any device, removing the need for investment in hardware.
The launch has been so successful that today UKFast announces the next generation of the platform, designed to tackle the more intensive needs of designers, creatives and architects.
The new service – FASTdesk GPU – solves a common problem for designers, architects, data analysts and anyone running high-GPU (graphics processing unit) workloads, which traditionally require powerful desktop computers to operate effectively.
FASTdesk GPU is ideal for running applications like Adobe Photoshop®, 3D CAD, media composers and other graphics-intensive applications, with all the resource and performance sitting in the cloud.
Industry standard tests for measuring compute power show FASTdesk GPU delivering up to 34 times the speed of standard CPU when performing image processing tasks and up to 112 times when performing cryptography functions.
The solution is powered by NVIDIA GRID™ technology, combined with Nvidia Tesla P40 GPU’s and delivers 4GB GDDR5 graphics memory for each desktop.
UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones said: “Cloud desktop applications enable businesses to evolve and meet the demands of their workforce. It’s naïve to think that people want to complete their given tasks between certain hours or in certain locations.
We all work the hours we choose and are often inspired outside of the hours of 9am and 5pm and want to work on ideas and pass them on to colleagues. FASTdesk GPU enables a new level of flexibility and allows you to work from the top of a mountain if you choose to.
FASTdesk GPU is the latest innovation within the firm’s eCloud range which includes public, hybrid and private clouds as well as ‘drag and drop’ cloud storage solution, eCloud Vault and open source development platform, eCloud Flex.
UKFast CTO Neil Lathwood added: “To assemble the hardware for an equivalent machine would cost at least £10,000. On top of that we take care of all the maintenance, upgrades and backups. It also removes a serious security concern, eliminating the risk of data loss through the theft or loss of a device.”
FASTdesk GPU costs £160 per user per month.
The news comes as UKFast reveals that its cloud desktop service – FASTdesk – now delivers £360,000 annual recurring revenue for the firm, having grown 161% in H1 2018 compared to the same period last year.
Following its launch in 2016, the FASTdesk platform is now home to more than 300 users.
Check out UKFast’s blog for a deeper technical dive into the platform and more on how GPU can accelerate your business.
About UKFast
UKFast is one of the largest independently owned hosting providers in the UK, having a current revenue run-rate of more than £50 million and posting £47 million turnover in 2017.
UKFast provides dedicated servers, cloud services and colocation to more than 5,000 government, public sector and commercial organisations, with a wide-ranging product portfolio including Infrastructure as a Service, DR as a Service and its cloud offering, eCloud®.
UKFast has developed educational partnerships as part of its mission to promote innovation and reach out to a new generation of digital superstars. Working with 60 schools and colleges, reaching 60,000 young people in Greater Manchester, UKFast’s team run more than 500 educational events a year. The firm’s team of full-time teachers run masterclasses, workshops and code clubs and also deliver an award-winning technical apprenticeship scheme.
Alongside its product range, UKFast has four fully owned, custom-built data centres and its cybersecurity arm Secarma specialises in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
The family of businesses owned by founders Lawrence and Gail Jones employs 450 people, with UKFast directly employing 325.
Among many accolades, UKFast has been named Cloud Provider of the Year at the CRN Awards and Employer of the Year at the National Business Awards. Its 500-seater auditorium hosts events and exhibitions, and provides a free meeting space for the UK tech community.
