By Marc Hamaker

Autodesk is joining forces with Microsoft Azure to offer customers a new scalable cloud rendering solution with the Azure Batch Rendering Platform. Built on the proven Azure Batch platform, this new rendering solution will allow Autodesk users to submit their jobs for on-demand rendering on Azure Batch directly through Autodesk Maya; Autodesk 3ds Max; and Arnold software with pay-per-use billing and custom scalability.

Rendering can be a complex and demanding process with several variables to consider, including infrastructure and pipeline needs, data management, team size and timeline, and budget. With the Azure Batch Rendering Platform, Autodesk users can leverage Azure’s robust usage-based cloud rendering tools to scale their rendering jobs with burst capacity as needed, efficiently manage costs, and eliminate the need for complex infrastructure and license management. In addition, the Azure SDK allows users to automate render workflows even within custom pipelines, and offers open-source plugins to integrate directly with Maya and 3ds Max.

Corey Sanders, director of Compute, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Corp. said, “With Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, and Arnold integrated in Microsoft Azure Batch, designers, artists, and engineers can now focus on their creative projects rather than worrying about setting up, running, and managing infrastructure. Everyone now has the power of a render farm with the push of a button.”

We know that the scalability and ease of use offered by cloud rendering is important to our customers across industries, and we’re always looking for ways to help facilitate a smooth transition. Teaming with Microsoft Azure gives Autodesk users more choice when it comes to using the right cloud-based rendering platforms for their specific facility and project needs.

To participate in a private preview of the Azure Batch Rendering Platform, please visit: https://rendering.azure.com.