OpenGL Multipipe^TM SDK is an application programming interface (API) layer for OpenGL® that provides a simplified approach to managing graphics applications across multiple graphics subsystems or pipes. Applications written using the OpenGL Multipipe SDK API can run seamlessly from desktop single-processor, single-pipe systems up to large multiprocessor, multipipe scalable graphics systems. A simple configuration file defines the desired configuration of the application, such that the same application can support normal office environments, SGI® Reality Center® rooms, walls, immersive desk displays, and domes. In addition, the same application can take advantage of scalable graphics systems by combining the power of multiple graphics pipes into a single display output, which in turn can be scaled to drive multiple display devices. OpenGL Multipipe SDK provides a straightforward solution for graphics applications that were designed for single-processor, single-pipe applications to scale seamlessly when run on graphics systems with multiple processors and multiple graphics pipes. OpenGL Multipipe SDK provides the application with the following specific features:

• Run-time configurability--e.g., run in one window on a single workstation or run on multiple pipes on a scalable machine
• Run-time scalability--e.g., distribute rendering of a single graphics output across multiple pipes (parallel decompositions)
• Integrated support for scalable graphics hardware
• Integrated support for stereo and immersive environments

OpenGL Multipipe SDK is available as a free download from SGI.