Virtual Shared Graphics Acceleration allows multiple virtual machines to share hardware GPU’s for 3D acceleration. Shared Pass-Through graphics technology allows a single physical GPU device to be shared between multiple VMs. This program allows partners to develop and certify VMware ESXi Server-compatible drivers for GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) devices, and to apply for these devices to be included in VMware Compatibility Guide (vCG).

Program Overview

VMware vSGA and Shared Pass-Through Program (the “Program’) offers Partners a comprehensive set of tools, resources, and processes needed to develop, certify and release GPU device drivers (“SW Modules”) for VMware ESXi Host. The certification program enables certification of various GPU device drivers with ESXi and vCG listing with ESXi as well as supported VMware Horizon versions.

Upon successful completion of the certification process and the execution of the applicable agreements with VMware, partners can market and leverage the VMware Ready™ logo for Platform and Compute in their marketing and sales efforts for that particular certified GPU driver.

This program includes vSGA certifications and Shared Pass-Through certifications.

Key Benefits

Development Resources

Program access includes the tools and resources needed during the development and release phases.

• VMware's Advanced Developer Portal

The Developer Portal is a web-based collaboration tool used by the VMware Ecosystem Services team and provides access to all the program materials. 

• Access to the GPU related Device Driver Kits

Partners receive access to the GPU related device driver kits. 

• Certification guide

This guide describes the certification procedures and test cases for certifying GPU drivers with ESX and Horizon

• VMware Compatibility Guide (VCG) posting

Upon successful certification, the partner works with Ecosystem Engineering to update the VMware compatibility guide entry on vmware.com. Once the partner’s products are certified under the terms of the program, the partner may use the VMware Ready™ logo for Platform and Compute in product collateral as per guidelines.

• Program Communication

Ongoing program communications pertaining to updated development kits and associated milestones.

• Services Available

Optional Paid Development Consulting is now Available on request for partners involved with GPU drivers.

• Access to Maintenance Releases

Membership to this program is ongoing, and partners are entitled to vSphere update releases as well as development and certifications kit refreshes for the duration of their participation in the program. Additionally, the program allows for access to early versions of vSphere and VMware Horizon (with View) for the purpose of developing and testing.

Program Requirements

This program is governed by the following requirements:

• TAP Elite or Global status
• VMware program agreement signature
• Participation in this program requires the end result to be Successful certification and posting of the GPU drivers on the VMware Compatibility Guide on vmware.com
• Adherence to product support requirements as documented in the program guide
• TSANet membership and an entry in the VMware custom TSANet portal
• General support on Horizon (with View) and vSphere features is purchased separately.

Product Versions Supported

This program supports the following product versions:

VMware vSphere	5.x, 6.x
VMware Horizon (with View)	6.x, 7.x
VMware Horizon View	5.2, 5.3

Target Audience

The program is open to graphics IHVs (Independent Hardware Vendors) interested in building and certifying GPU drivers for ESX.

Partner Roles and Responsibilities

Partners who participate in the program provide the following team members:

A partner program manager that acts as the primary point of contact on behalf of their team, and who acts as the lead for planning and issue prioritization with VMware.

A partner technical support contact that manages the support relationship with VMware, owns and serves as a single point of contact for all support-related activities, including escalations and management of the TSANet membership, and ensures overall support readiness and training of the partner's support organization.

Related Programs and Services

Host Extensions DK for GPU Development

Native DDK

Host Extensions SDK

Server Program (vDGA) Package

VMware Ready Category

VMware Ready Platform and Compute Logo for certified drivers

The certifications in this program lead to listings on the following VCGs:

Shared PassThrough VCG https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=sptg

vSGA VCG https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=vsga