FLEXX (ability)

Betting on BOXX FLEXX

Benroth first became aware of BOXX, or more specifically renderBOXX at an Autodesk University tradeshow event where he admits being impressed that Pixar animation studio was a user. When I ask what computer systems INC was using prior to BOXX, he runs down a list of Macs running Windows, Dell workstations, the aforementioned renderBOXX and BOXX APEXX 1 compact workstations (both products since retired by BOXX), all as precursors to FLEXX.

For some time, INC was remoting into renderBOXX systems and the firm’s networked render farm using V-Ray, but the arrival of Enscape ushered in a change to a full VR solution which, in turn, pushed the need for high-end GPUs on team members’ workstations. They also needed a remote/hoteling financial model which allowed access to a high-end system via computer, laptop, or phone. And lastly, says Benroth, “We didn’t want to deal with managed virtual systems—especially due to the high GPU usage issues.”

“We thought instead of going for larger desktop workstations, let's just go remote,” he recalls. “The FLEXX units enable us to have powerful GPUs in these systems, and everybody can work from wherever. We’re also not supporting complex hardware anymore. Our users can get on the tablet and do their work.”

A multi-module, data center-ready system, FLEXX is capable of simultaneously supporting multiple types of compute modules providing the highest application performance for professional content creators working onsite or remotely. Compute modules can be accessed from any connected device, delivering performance previously available only in desk side workstations, as well as multi-CPU render nodes and multi-GPU workstation or render nodes. With the FLEXX system, enterprises can provision virtual workstations in minutes, enabling remote creators to stay productive.

At present, INC has ten creators with access to FLEXX modules. They also have an order into BOXX for ten more. INC’s team consists of a hybrid of in-office and remote architects and designers and some employees who are fully remote. Benroth says the office users rely on thin clients, while those at home (including one in Pittsburgh) can access FLEXX “however they want.”

When I ask Benroth how FLEXX differs from INC’s previous systems, he cites remote use (obviously), but quickly follows with the flexibility of the thin client, the freeing up of physical space, the fact FLEXX offers more power planning than a traditional rackmount system, and that real-time 3D can be done via remote computer as opposed to relying on an expensive gaming laptop or restrictions of the owner’s hardware.

He also highlights easier offsite management. “The FLEXX enclosure offers more network tools to restart, access, and troubleshoot,” says Benroth. “It’s redundancy with power, redundancy with networking. We have a Slack channel for remote people dealing with computer crashes. ‘Can I get a restart?’ they ask. For those not on FLEXX, there has to be someone in the office going around physically restarting computers because they've just frozen or something. But these FLEXX systems, they hardly ever go down. And if they do freeze, they're very easy to remotely restart. That has really helped a lot.”

BOXX Sales & Support

On a few occasions, Benroth has had to rely on legendary BOXX Technical Support for what he refers to as part replacement or system configuration issues. “The experience is great, always super responsive,” he says. “They’ve expedited parts, walked me through a fix, and followed up. The flexibility is nice. You talk to people who understand the systems. We used (a competing manufacturer) for many years, always got the bureaucracy, and felt like we knew more than the person fixing the computer. With BOXX, it seems like I'm talking with the guy who's building the computers. They’re just light-years ahead in service.”

BOXX customer service is also personified by BOXX performance specialist Lang Etheridge, whom Benroth has known for some time, referring to him as his “personal concierge”. “We touch base in January when I give him the rough plan for the year,” says Benroth. “He follows up with a few key milestones, helps configure, follows up again after the product is delivered, and points us to the right people to solve various challenges.”

FLEXX Future

Looking toward the future of INC, Benroth discusses the hottest topic in tech—AI and his experimentation with running AI models, a task requiring multi-GPU compute power. “That’s probably something in the future,” he says. “But I’d like to have remote systems where you can run these models for image generation, especially for product design like finishes for furniture. Using these models, we can place them in the space to try options.”

He’s also deeply interested in a virtualized BOXX Cloud system. “We're invested in FLEXX now, so we want to convert all the designer stations to the BOXX FLEXX system so that we can be fully cloud,” he says. “I'm excited to see what BOXX is going to do there.”

As our interview concludes, I ask Benroth what he sees as the chief selling point of FLEXX. “For a small company, its flexibility and space,” he says. “It's such a tight, powerful little system and it works really well. You get the space savings, you get the great BOXX support, and you get more features and robust performance.” Then laughing, he adds, “In this remote world, you could just have FLEXX on a rack and you’d have a company. That's all you need.”

But as an architect (and still laughing), Benroth quickly catches himself. “I don't think we want to go there…”

I reply (laughing), “Probably not.”