By moving resource-intensive 3D applications to the cloud, the BMW Group is laying the foundations for more flexible and location-independent collaboration in areas where this was previously not possible. This benefits the company in several ways:
BMW 3D APP STORE
iteratec develops a gateway to the virtual world
New dimensions in digital vehicle development
Optimised streaming quality for demanding vehicle design processes
From the outset, the platform has been optimised for collaborative use in demanding prototyping and product design environments, with the aim of enabling new forms of location-independent collaboration: Whereas vehicle designers previously had to sit in front of high-performance computers on-site to edit complex 3D models, the 3D AppStore now allows them to access the relevant services from virtually any device and stream the models in the highest resolution to other participants via screen sharing, without any loss of quality. With support for all popular VR headsets, including chat functionality, the platform also enables new forms of collaboration that transcend the previous boundaries of the physical world.
To meet the BMW Group’s stringent security requirements and ensure the secure processing of highly confidential data, all resources are stored within a client-managed infrastructure.
Enabling new applications throughout the customer journey
In order to achieve a high level of user acceptance and wider adoption of the solution beyond internal use, the platform has been significantly optimised in terms of user-friendliness and speed. Application start-up times have been reduced from several minutes to just a few seconds, resulting in a seamless user experience. Advanced proxy services ensure fast and simplified access from the cloud to 3D model data within the BMW Group’s internal infrastructure. The solution thus unlocks new potential for use cases that go beyond internal use, for example through new visualisation functions and digital vehicle experiences within the customer journey.
Harnessing the potential of virtual worlds
LOWER COSTS
Instead of high initial investments and years of depreciation for the purchase of expensive hardware, the cloud’s pay-per-use model enables flexible, usage-based billing. This takes the pressure off the company’s balance sheet and preserves liquidity, leaving more money available for important investments.
FULL SCALABILITY
The flexibility and scalability of the cloud enable resources to be provisioned as and when required, as well as continuous development through the simple integration of new, more powerful configurations from the cloud provider into the solution.
EXCITING NEW APPLICATIONS
The ability to make highly graphics-intensive applications – which previously could only run on specialised hardware – accessible from any device opens up a range of exciting new use cases – from virtual co-creation processes in shared VR environments to immersive customer experiences in virtual brand worlds.
