Why more designers are choosing to use cloud rendering solutions

The process of creating highly complex digital models can require large amounts of computing power. Rather than spend days waiting for a local, on-premises computer to produce a 3D render, many designers now turn to cloud rendering solutions.

Discover our cloud rendering solutions

What is Cloud Rendering?

The process of generating a detailed 3D model takes a huge amount of computing processing power. Complicated algorithms are required to calculate the light, reflections, shadowing, colors, and textures that a 3D model needs. Rendering a 3D model using a standalone computer can take house or even days.
 
Many design professionals work to tight deadlines and simply do not have the time to wait for a local computer to slowly complete the CAD rendering process. By using cloud rendering, complex 3D models can be generated in much less time and without the need to invest in expensive on-site IT infrastructure.  
 
Cloud computing draws its power not from one machine, but from an array of powerful computers in different locations known as data banks, or in this case, render farms. The time-consuming and resource-intensive parsing and processing of data required for photorealistic 3D rendering work can be done quickly via remote servers rather than through a single, local computer.

Discover the cloud rendering solutions from Dassault Systèmes

When design experts need the best 3D rendering software, they turn to Dassault Systèmes. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is an adaptable, agile, and innovative cloud computing solution that does away with the need to have costly, unwieldy on-site IT infrastructures.

3D rendering > Dassault Systèmes

3DEXCITE Product Communicator

Seeing is believing - create stunning digital content to showcase product values, enable partners and win customers

How is cloud rendering different from local rendering?

The main difference between cloud rendering and local rendering is the amount of time that each process takes. Generating a photorealistic 3D product rendering using a local, on-site standalone computer can take a considerable length of time when compared to using a cloud-based rendering option depending on the computing power of the computer.

3D rendering using a local computer

The amount of time that a local computer takes to generate a 3D model is dependent on how much RAM it has, how powerful its GPU is, and how much disk space is available for storage. The process of generating digital lighting and rendering uses large amounts of both GPU and RAM.
 
If a local machine does not have adequate resources, frames can drop during the render process, or the machine will not be able to cope with the workload and generate the render at an incredibly slow pass. Generating a 3D render will also consume all of a local computer’s processing capacity, meaning that you will be unable to use it for any other task for the duration of the render.

Creating a 3D model using cloud rendering

Because the cloud rendering process draws processing power from numerous computers, the complex frames required to generate a 3D model can be calculated in much less time. Cloud systems are comprised of large data banks of sophisticated computers that users can access via online portals.
 
Any task a user completes via the cloud is not allocated to just one data bank, but rather separated and shared amongst many. This drastically reduces processing times and allows designers to generate highly complex photorealistic product rendering in a fraction of the time of a local system.

What are the benefits of cloud rendering?

More designers are now choosing to use render products that are hosted on the cloud instead of having to rely on on-premises IT systems. As we’ve seen, an online render can be completed in much less time than using a local computer. But there are many other benefits to using a cloud render option.

Cloud solutions are cheaper than on-premises systems

By harnessing the power of the cloud, companies can drastically reduce their need to install and maintain complex IT infrastructures. This reduction in computing power requirements can help to cut a variety of overheads, from energy costs to IT personnel. Software and hardware updates and maintenance are done automatically by the company that runs the servers. Even factoring in licensing costs, working via the cloud is much cheaper than purchasing, installing, and maintaining on-premises hardware and software.

Cloud computing can be accessed by anyone, from anywhere

Cloud computing technology can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, using any kind of device. If you have a secure internet connection and a compatible browser, you can work using a laptop, a tablet, or even your smartphone. The flexibility of the cloud allows for increased collaboration and communication among team members, driving innovation and inspiring more creative solutions.

Cloud computing is more scalable than on-premises infrastructure

Cloud solutions are also much more adaptable than on-premises infrastructure. The process of upgrading or scaling back an on-premises system can be slow and expensive. Cloud solutions allow companies to use the specific software they require for exactly the amount of time that they need it. On-premises systems simply cannot compete with cloud solutions when it comes to scalability and flexibility of resources.

The cloud offers you enhanced security

In the early days of cloud computing, many companies were reluctant to make the transition from on-premises systems because of security concerns. Cloud computing data banks are now protected by sophisticated firewalls and encryption programs. In many cases, the IT security aspects of a cloud solution are far better than what companies can achieve using their own systems.

Browse all the Dassault Systèmes store applications

We feature in our store some of our best software to design, collaborate and innovate throughout the entire product lifecycle. 

Content related to cloud rendering

Introducing Product Communicator: the cloud-based solution for sophisticated rendering and communication content

intuitive, flexible, and cloud-based solution

Discover an intuitive, flexible, powerful cloud-based program that allows you to develop and share intricate, sophisticated product communication content without the need to have a cumbersome on-site IT infrastructure.
 
Product Communicator is a cloud-based program that allows users to create photorealistic product rendering at any time, using any device. Product Communicator leverages massive amounts of processing power via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Stakeholders can store and share projects, communicate, and collaborate simultaneously via a web browser.

Two unique applications for every scenarios

Product Communicator contains two unique applications: xHighlight can be used to create interactive storytelling and technical illustrations. xStudio can generate photorealistic product shots and interactive turntables with 360° views.
 
With Render-as-a-Service capabilities, Product Communicator enables you to be able to scale your infrastructure to your exact needs. You can create incredibly detailed renderings on the cloud and only pay when a render is triggered.
 
Powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Product Communicator can be fully integrated with other CAD products from Dassault Systèmes.

The applications of Product Communicator

Product Communicator gives you more control over the management of project workflows. You can create highly complex 3D modeling and simulations quickly and use them to showcase products to clients in a secure digital environment.
 
With cutting-edge vector graphic technology, Product Communicator is ideal for technical illustrations, storyboarding, and product presentations. Every minuscule detail can be accurately reproduced in high-resolution renderings.
 
Your product presentation and visualization capabilities can be maximized using Product Communicator. Photorealistic product shots can be viewed from 360°. You can create customized, fully interactive product presentations in a fraction of the time it would take using on-site systems.

The advantages of using Product Communicator

Product Communicator provides companies with a comprehensive product rendering solution. You can bring your products to market quickly using this one cloud-based tool. Showcase USPs and product values to clients no matter where you or your team are physically located. Say goodbye to expensive and resource-draining on-premises IT systems with a cost-effective alternative to traditional rendering methods. Product Communicator saves you time, cuts down on your operational costs, and allows your people to communicate and collaborate like never before.

Cloud rendering - Conclusion & Perspectives

Digital 3D models are used by designers, engineers, animators, architects, artists, and many other professionals. Highly accurate and able to be viewed from any angle, manipulated, and put through real-world simulations, 3D models are crucial for product development and are widely used to create cinematic special effects, in marketing campaigns, for showcasing proposed construction projects, and many other purposes.
 
Time is a valuable commodity for any professional designer. Rather than spending their time waiting for a 3D model to render, designers prefer to put more effort into the initial creation of the model and the process of iterating and refining the model.
 
Cloud rendering gives designers the freedom, power, and flexibility they need. By harnessing the power of multiple data banks, cloud rendering solutions can generate highly complex 3D models in hours, not days or weeks.
 
Cloud rendering design software can be accessed using any type of device, no matter where team members are located, making it an ideal solution for today’s remote workforce. Cloud solutions reduce IT costs, allow designers access to more computing power, and can be easily scaled to suit any sized project.

Why choose Dassault Systèmes for your cloud rendering needs?

Enhance collaboration with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform breaks the dominance of traditional on-premises software. This unique offering from Dassault Systèmes gives users access to a suite of cloud-based applications that can be used to render products, showcase presentations, store files, share work, and collaborate simultaneously with colleagues anywhere on the planet. 
 
Enjoy the absolute freedom of one centralized, secure location where renders and presentations can be managed and accessed using any internet-enabled device. Discover the many benefits of the cloud and escape the restraints of on-premises systems. Explore the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform today.

More than 40 years of experience

Design professionals in over 11 industry sectors turn to Dassault Systèmes for the innovative, intuitive, powerful software solutions they need. We specialize in creating tools that our clients can use to push the boundaries of what is possible and create the products, structures, and systems of the future right now.
 
From the groundbreaking CAD software CATIA to the industry-leading SOLIDWORKS program, Dassault Systèmes has led the way in design and PLM solutions for over four decades. We continue to forge new paths with the revolutionary collaborative virtual environments provided by the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.
 
We produce specialized roles such as Product Communicator, a unique cloud-based tool ideal for product design rendering, industrial design rendering, plastic rendering, and Vray product rendering. Explore the entire selection of Dassault Systèmes roles today.

Explore inspiring content

Frequently asked Questions