Thinkbox Software Launches Deadline 7

Thinkbox Software has released Deadline 7. The latest version includes built-in virtual machine extension (VMX) capabilities, enabling users to access resources in public and private clouds. Other features include “Jigsaw” multi-region rendering support, an upgraded database, ftrack integration and an enhanced user interface.

With the VMX and pluggable cloud support, version 7 can interact with private and public cloud solutions out of the box. This includes Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and OpenStack.

The upgraded “Jigsaw” feature has been added for Maya, MODO and Rhino. This enables users to define any number of arbitrarily-sized regions to render or update an existing frame or sequence by splitting work between multiple nodes.

Application support has been expanded in this version. Deadline now is compatible with After Effects CC 2014, Corona SDK, NUKE 9, Cinema 4D 16, Design Fusion 7 and RealFlow 2014.

For mesh management, the platform can schedule Slave meshes to start and stop based on the time of day or when the machine becomes idle. It can also check the machine’s current CPU and RAM usage and if specific processes are running.

“Deadline 7 enables users to set up a pop-up cloud and compute on-demand, anytime, anywhere. We’ve created the building blocks for companies that are already rendering locally. Instead of purchasing more computers, Deadline users can spool up resources in the cloud as needed for any application, whether VFX or AEC,” said Chris Bond, founder, Thinkbox Software. “With the VMX Cloud Wizard, users can create a compute farm in the cloud in about 30 minutes, then later expand on this installation or use it as a reference for creating more sophisticated cloud pipelines down the line.”

For more information, visit Thinkbox Software.

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