Partnership Develops Next-Generation Automotive Nissan Design Platform

Nissan, HP Enterprise and Siemens AG have developed the first next-generation vehicle design infrastructure that gives a continuous, high-speed connection to the latest vehicle data. The engineering virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), according to the company, gives Nissan more flexibility and manageability of global vehicle design. The company is using the infrastructure in North America and Europe.

This infrastructure uses advanced graphics processing based on virtualization technology. With it, engineers can access a virtual 3D CAD workstations on servers and use them in a desktop environment. It is fully scalable and uses servers with high-performance storage, software and network acceleration technology.

The Engineering VDI solution includes the following HPE technology:

• HPE ProLiant WS460c Graphics Server Blades – allows workstation-class high-performance graphics that provides engineers with a centralize, virtualized, full-fidelity desktop experience including support for demanding 3D graphics applications
• HPE 3PAR StoreServ 7400 Storage – allows Nissan to store and manage data from the next generation vehicle design solution on a single, highly scalable and robust Tier-1 storage platform
• HPE Systems Insight Manager – allows easy management of Nissan’s IT infrastructure, increasing system uptime for teams around the world

The hardware also uses Citrix XenDesktop virtualization technology. The software technology foundation for Nissan’s Engineering VDI solution was provided by Siemens’ product lifecycle management software business. NX has been fully certified on all of the hardware necessary to support this system. In addition, Siemens’ Teamcenter software serves as the digital backbone for Nissan’s VDI solution.

“With the increasing number of new projects globally, IT’s importance has become even more essential.  Based on our global IS/IT strategy, Nissan will focus on linking Management with IT to increase the business value IT delivers for Nissan,” says Celso Guiotoko, chief information officer for Nissan.

For more information, visit Nissan.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.