ANSYS simulation running on Rescale’s cloud-based high-performance computing (HPC). (Image courtesy of ANSYS.)
No matter how much you democratize a user interface or workflow, it won’t grow the number of simulation users if they can’t afford it.
Many cloud options have been popping up to help reduce the cost of CAE tools or even offer CAE for free. However, these tools may not be as complete, affordable and/or flexible as your organization might need.
In comes ANSYS and Rescale with their new startup program that aims to offer CAE quickly and cost effectively to small businesses.
“Through the power of simulation, our customers are driving product innovation, improving product quality and reducing development cost,” said Paul Lethbridge, senior manager of the ANSYS Startup Program. “With Amazon Web Service (AWS) and Rescale, we’re providing startups with cloud-based access that also eliminates the overhead of workstation-class hardware and software—empowering startups to allocate more of their funding toward developing innovative technology and products.”
Engineers on the ANSYS Startup Program gain access to:
- AWS cloud storage
- Rescale’s expandable cloud compute services
- ANSYS Pervasive Engineering Simulation suite for multiphysics simulations
Everything is available within a browser, so no complex installs, or local computing, are needed to run the software.
So, now the elephant in the room. How much does it cost? ANSYS reports exclusively to ENGINEERING.com that the cost of the startup program varies. The costing will be based on the maturity of the startup, the software they need and if they are associated with an Incubator/Accelerator partner of ANSYS. What we do know about the cost is:
- There is “no one price fits all” or publicized sliding scale available.
- If the user gains enough AWS credits, the cloud storage can be free for six months to a year.
- The CPU/hour cost has been reduced thanks to negotiations with Rescale and AWS.
“By choosing AWS as the foundation of the ANSYS Startup Program’s cloud strategy, ANSYS and Rescale have created a cost-effective solution that is intuitive, reliable and scalable,” agreed Dave Wright, general manager, Worldwide Strategic Technology Partners, Amazon Web Services, Inc.
To qualify for the startup program, your organization must:
- Be privately owned
- Not provide consulting or similar services
- Be in operation for less than five years
- Have revenue under $5 million per year
“Offering a cloud-based big compute solution for the ANSYS Startup Program provides a valuable advantage to startups with big ambitions,” said Matt McKee, director of western region sales at Rescale. “The seamless cloud delivery of ANSYS simulation tools on Rescale’s big compute platform on AWS lets startups compete immediately.”
To learn more about the ANSYS Startup Program, check out its link here.
For more options for cloud-based CAE, read “Simulation in the Cloud is Becoming Mainstream.”