"VDesktop Siemens" refers to the suite of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions and services that utilizes internally and offers to industrial customers
. These solutions allow users to access powerful workstations, including graphics-heavy engineering software like Siemens NX , from any device or location. Core Offerings & Internal Use
Siemens employs a hybrid approach to virtualization, moving from traditional on-premises setups to more flexible, cloud-based models: Internal Employee Workstations:
Siemens IT has transitioned from a fixed on-premises VDI to a more scalable model using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Windows 365 . This move was driven by a need to meet strict zero-trust
security requirements while providing high-performance, low-latency access for its global workforce. SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS):
This is a specialized, turnkey virtualization solution for industrial plants. It provides the entire infrastructure—including hardware, software, and lifecycle services—to host industrial applications like with high availability and reduced downtime. Siemens NX on Virtual Desktops: For engineering teams, Siemens supports running software via Azure Virtual Desktop Citrix Cloud
. This allows engineers to work on "digital twins" from anywhere without needing to install massive software packages locally on their machines. Key Benefits of Siemens VDesktop Remote Engineering:
Enables users to access GPU-accelerated workloads (like 3D modeling) from standard laptops or thin clients. Zero-Trust Security:
Centralizing data in the cloud or a secure data center ensures that proprietary CAD files and sensitive plant data never leave the corporate network, reducing the risk from lost or stolen physical devices. Operational Efficiency: vdesktop siemens
Siemens has reported that setting up virtual workstations now takes a maximum of , compared to two days with traditional hardware. Sustainability: Virtualization can lead to up to 75% energy savings 80% less physical space required in server rooms. Service Partners
Siemens collaborates with several major technology providers to deliver these services:
NX using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) - SIEMENS Community
Siemens vDesktop (often referred to as part of Siemens Virtual Workstations) represents the company’s strategic shift toward a flexible, cloud-based infrastructure. By transitioning from traditional on-premises setups to modernized Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Siemens enables its global workforce to access high-performance computing resources from any location, ensuring business continuity and high security. Core Solutions and Platforms
Siemens utilizes several industry-leading platforms to deliver virtual desktop experiences tailored to different business needs:
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD): Used extensively for high-performance engineering workloads, such as running Siemens NX in the cloud without local installations.
Windows 365: Provides personalized "Cloud PCs" that comply with strict zero-trust requirements, allowing for rapid scaling and reduced IT overhead.
SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS): A specialized solution for industrial environments that offers pre-configured, high-availability IT infrastructure for OT (Operational Technology) applications. "VDesktop Siemens" refers to the suite of Virtual
Workspot: Chosen for global VDI transformation by Siemens Energy to provide cloud-native virtual desktops across multiple cloud providers. Key Benefits for Enterprise and Industry
Enhanced Security: Data is stored centrally in the cloud rather than on local devices, which lowers the risk of theft or loss and allows for consistent application of security policies.
Scalability and Flexibility: IT teams can adjust capacity effortlessly based on organizational demand, providing new users with workstations in minutes.
High-Performance Engineering: Cloud-hosted workstations utilize GPU-accelerated VMs to handle intensive CAD and PLM workloads with low latency.
Operational Efficiency: For industrial plants, virtualization can lead to up to 80% space savings and 75% energy savings by consolidating multiple hardware roles into a single server. Industrial Virtualization (SIVaaS)
For manufacturing and process industries, Siemens offers SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service. This turnkey solution: SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service - Siemens
Siemens vDesktop is a cornerstone of modern industrial and enterprise IT, representing the shift toward Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) for high-performance engineering and secure remote access. By decoupling the operating system and applications from physical hardware, Siemens enables engineers to run intensive programs like Siemens NX or Solid Edge from virtually any device without sacrificing performance. What is Siemens vDesktop?
Siemens vDesktop (often referred to within the context of Siemens' broader virtualization strategy) is a solution that provides virtualized workstations tailored for the demanding needs of industrial software. Historically an on-premises solution, it has evolved into a hybrid and cloud-based model, often leveraging platforms like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 to provide global scalability and zero-trust security. Key Features and Capabilities Phase 3: Building the Golden Image
High-Performance Computing (HPC): Specifically designed to handle graphics-rich tasks. Through GPU acceleration, users can run CAD/CAM/CAE applications like Siemens NX with the same fluidity as a high-end local workstation.
Zero Trust Security: Centralizing data in the cloud or a secure data center eliminates local file sprawl and prevents data theft if an endpoint device is lost.
Any-Device Accessibility: Engineers can transition seamlessly between an office PC, a home laptop, or even a tablet on the assembly floor while maintaining a consistent user experience.
SIMATIC Integration: For industrial environments, Siemens offers SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS), which provides pre-configured, system-tested virtualization for PCS 7 and TIA Portal applications. Business and Operational Benefits
The transition to a virtual desktop model offers significant advantages for both IT departments and end-users: SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service - Siemens
Historically, Siemens also used the internal branding "Siemens VDI" for employee workstations, but in an industrial software context, it refers to running heavy 3D engineering applications remotely.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding, planning, and deploying a Siemens Virtual Desktop environment.
UGII_OPENGL settings) to ensure hardware acceleration is recognized.