vSGA and Shared Pass-Through Program
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). Please note this is a Standalone Program.
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 guides
These guides describe 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 Services 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 for the purpose of developing and testing.
Program Requirements
This program is governed by the following requirements:
- Maintain current TAP membership status for program participation and access
- Fully execute VMware program agreements
- Program participation requires a successful certification and posting of the partner product 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 and vSphere features is purchased separately.
Product Versions Supported
This program supports the following product versions:
VMware vSphere | 6.5, 6.7, 7.x |
VMware Horizon | 7.x |
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
Native DDK
Host Extensions SDK
Server Program (vDGA) Package
VMware Ready Status
Eligible
VMware Ready Category
VMware Ready Platform and Compute Logo for certified drivers https://www.vmware.com/partners/tech-alliance/vmware-ready.html
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
Documentation and Reference
Name | Size | |
---|---|---|
VSGA Program Guide | 979.1 KB | |