Frequently asked questions

General

What is Spark Cloud Studio?

Spark Cloud Studio is your all-in-one workspace in the cloud. Access powerful workstations (Spark ProStation), store files securely (Spark ShareSync), and orchestrate render farms (Spark SmartCompute) entirely on-demand and from anywhere in the world. Collaborate seamlessly with teammates and access tools as and when you need them. Streamline your workflows for projects of any size. No setup required. 

Cloud computing sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve designed the Spark Cloud Studio experience to be as seamless as possible, so it feels just like using the device in front of you.

How do I get started with Spark Cloud Studio?

Getting started with Spark Cloud Studio is easy!
Contact us for a free trial. This will give you access to our platform and allow you to explore all the features.

What are the benefits of using Spark Cloud Studio over traditional hardware and software?

Reduced Costs
No Upfront Investment

With Spark Cloud Studio, you avoid the high upfront cost of purchasing powerful workstations and software licenses.

Eliminate Upgrade Costs: You won’t have to worry about hardware upgrades or outdated software versions. Spark Cloud Studio provides continuous access to the latest technology. You can seamlessly upgrade your workstation configuration on-demand, ensuring you always have the power required for your projects without needing to purchase a new computer ever again.

Pay-as-you-go Model: Avoid paying for unused computing power. Traditional workstations sit idle a significant portion of the time. With Spark Cloud Studio, you only pay for the resources you use during your work sessions, making it a cost-effective solution across the board.

Increased Flexibility and Scalability:
Accessibility Anywhere:
Work from any device with an internet connection, eliminating geographical limitations.
Scalability on Demand: Easily adjust your computing power at any time. Need more processing power for rendering? Simply update your workstation configuration within Spark Cloud Studio.
No Hardware Limitations: Don't be limited by your local computer's capabilities. Spark Cloud Studio provides access to high-performance hardware for demanding tasks.

Improved Workflow and Collaboration:
Simplified Setup:
No complex hardware or software installations. Spark Cloud Studio is ready to use immediately.

Streamlined Collaboration: Team members can access and work on projects simultaneously, regardless of location.

Software Pre-loaded: Cloud workstations come pre-loaded with the software you need (likeUnreal Engine, Photoshop, Blender, Nuke, After Effects and more), eliminating compatibility issues and installation times.

Enhanced Security and Reliability:
Enterprise-Grade Security:
Spark Cloud Studio prioritizes data security, exceeding industry requirements from MPAA and TPN.

Safety: Your data is securely stored in your own private cloud, protected from hardware failures while remaining accessible from any authorized device.

Reduced Downtime Risk: Cloud-based infrastructure minimizes the risk of downtime associated with local hardware issues.

What are the benefits of a cloud workstation?

Spark ProStations  come with a whole bunch of advantages:

Our cloud based machines provide access to high-performance computing resources, so you can tackle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering,complex design and engineering projects, and advanced AI and ML computations without limitations - all from your local device. Unleash your inner powerhouse!

Ditch the bulky desktops and experience true flexibility on demand! Spark ProStations are accessible from any device with an internet connection. This means you can work from anywhere in the world, whenever inspiration strikes. No need to lug around a powerful computer or be chained to your desk. 

Say goodbye to setup headaches: Spark ProStations are pre-loaded with the creative software you need. No more waiting for installations or struggling with compatibility issues. Say goodbye to setup headaches - just pick your workstation, fire it up, and get started.

Spark Cloud Studio facilitates seamless collaboration. Collaborate with team members and work together on projects in real-time, regardless of location. Streamline your workflows and boost productivity with fully customizable project spaces with permissions and access control.

Spark ProStations eliminate the upfront cost of buying and maintaining a high-end computer. You will only pay for what you use and can scale your resources up or down as your project needs change.

Spark Cloud Studio prioritizes security and exceeds MPAA and TPN requirements. Your files and projects are stored securely in the cloud, protected from hardware failures and accessible from any authorized device. Rest easy with robust security that you can trust.

Who is Spark Cloud Studio for?

Spark Cloud Studio is for professionals and creatives of all levels, from freelancers to large companies and production houses. Whether you're a seasoned designer, VFX artist, architect,  engineer, or a filmmaker, Spark Cloud Studio empowers you to unleash your skills and creativity without limitations.

Do I need any special skills to use Spark Cloud Studio?

No prior experience is necessary to use Spark Cloud Studio! Our intuitive interface and user-friendly platform make it easy for anyone to get started. If you're already familiar with creative software like Adobe Creative Cloud or other 3D, gaming, film, photography and rendering applications like Maya, Lightroom, Premier Pro and Unreal Engine, you'll find Spark Cloud Studio immediately gets out of your way and lets you create without limits!

What kind of customer support do you offer?

Spark Cloud Studio offers a dedicated and knowledgeable support team to assist you with any questions you may have. Our support team is composed of fellow industry professionals who understand your needs and challenges.We provide a variety of support options, including email, chat, and community support.

Is there a learning curve associated with using Spark Cloud Studio?

Spark Cloud Studio is designed with intuitive usability in mind. We’ve made the experience just like working on your own laptop or workstation. You'll be able to access tools and software that you are familiar with and navigate the platform with no additional effort.

What kind of projects can we create / work on using Spark Cloud Studio?

Spark Cloud Studio empowers you to unleash your creativity across a vast spectrum of projects. With Adobe Creative Cloud at your fingertips and accessible via Spark PowerSuite™, you can design stunning visuals for print, web, and video. Whether you're crafting eye-catching logos and brochures for graphic design projects, enhancing and retouching photos for artistic expression, or editing and color-grading footage to produce engaging content, Spark PowerSuite™ provides the tools you need to bring your vision to life. 

Moreover, Spark Cloud Studio fully supports advanced engineering, AI, and ML applications. Perform complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, develop sophisticated machine learning models, and conduct extensive data analysis. Our platform provides the high-performance computing resources necessary to handle intricate engineering projects, innovative AI research, and detailed ML workflows.

Additionally, our on-demand render farm tackles even the most demanding tasks. Render complex characters, environments, and special effects for film, television, and video games. Breathe life into architectural designs with hyper-realistic visualizations, or showcase product prototypes with high-quality renders perfect for marketing materials. Use our highly configurable and scalable render farm to accelerate AI model training, simulate CFD scenarios, and process large datasets with ease.From motion graphics, animation and product design to AI development and engineering simulations, Spark Cloud Studio enables unlimited creativity across various disciplines.

Can I use Spark Cloud Studio with my existing tools, licenses and workflows?

Yes! Spark Cloud Studio is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing creative ecosystem.

Here's how:

Software Compatibility
No need to abandon the tools you know and love. Spark Cloud Studio' Spark PowerSuite  functions as an intermediary platform, allowing you to access and use your existing software licenses directly within the cloud environment.

Workflow Integration
Our platform integrates with your existing workflows. This means you can continue using your preferred file management systems and collaboration tools without disruption.

Familiar Interface
Spark Cloud Studio boasts an intuitive interface that feels just like your existing workstation or laptop.By prioritizing seamless integration and user familiarity, Spark Cloud Studio empowers you to leverage your existing tools, license subscriptions and workflows within our platform. This eliminates the need for disruptive software changes or workflow overhauls, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your creative output.

How do I configure Spark Cloud Studio to work for a team or studio?

Spark Cloud Studio offers features specifically designed for team collaboration. You can easily invite, onboard and manage team members across multiple projects, assign permissions, and track progress in real-time.

How does Spark Cloud Studio handle collaboration for remote teams?

Spark Cloud Studio is built natively in the cloud, making it perfect for remote collaboration. Team members can access projects, share files, and connect with each other effortlessly from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, even over marginal 4G data connections.

Security and Data

Is my data secure on Spark Cloud Studio?

Spark Cloud Studio prioritizes data security and goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure your information is completely private. Here's what sets us apart:

Unmatched Security:
Spark Cloud Studio stands alone in offering Zero-Knowledge encryption across all our services, the strongest form of data protection available. This innovative technology ensures that only you have the ability to access your data. Our proprietary technology guarantees complete data privacy – we literally cannot access or see your files, not even their names.

Industry-Leading Compliance:
In addition to Zero-Knowledge encryption, we adhere to strict security standards that exceed industry requirements. We comply with regulations set by organizations like the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Trusted Partner Network (TPN), providing an extra layer of security for your sensitive data.

End-to-End Encryption:
Your data is further protected with end-to-end encryption, both in transit and at rest. This encryption scrambles your data, making it unreadable to anyone who shouldn't have access.

Secure Storage and Redundancy:
Your files are stored securely in the cloud with geographically distributed backups. This redundancy ensures your data remains safe even in case of unexpected events or outages.

Regular Security Audits:
We conduct regular security audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. This proactive approach ensures our security measures remain robust and up-to-date.

In addition to these technical safeguards, Spark Cloud Studio also offers user-centric security features:

Multi-Factor Authentication:
Enhance your account security with multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of verification beyond just a password, making it more difficult for unauthorized access.

Granular User and Access Management :
Manage user permissions within your workspace. You can control who can access specific projects and data, ensuring only authorized users have the necessary access levels.

By combining Zero-Knowledge encryption with advanced security measures and user-friendly controls, Spark Cloud Studio provides an unparalleled level of security for your creative projects. You can rest assured that your data remains completely private and protected at all times.

What happens if the internet goes down while I'm working?

One of the major benefits of Spark Cloud Studio is our resilience to internet disruptions. Unlike traditional workstations, where losing internet connectivity halts your work, Spark Cloud Studio continues to operate seamlessly. Your Spark ProStation keeps running in the cloud, even if your local internet connection drops or your device loses power. This means you can continue working uninterrupted and reconnect to your virtual workspace at your convenience. Once you're back online, your work automatically synchronizes with the cloud, ensuring nothing is lost.

How do I back up my files in Spark Cloud Studio?

Spark ShareSync employs a robust backup system that automatically creates redundant copies of your data across geographically dispersed servers. This ensures the security and accessibility of your files in case of unforeseen events. Additionally, you can leverage your preferred cloud storage solutions in conjunction with Spark ShareSync for an extra layer of personal backup.

How much storage is provided with my plan, and how can I increase or decrease storage as needed?

Everything on Spark Cloud Studio, storage included, is on-demand pay-as-you-go! We don't lock you into pre-defined plans. Instead, you only pay for the storage you actually use.

We provide a generous 5GB of free storage to get you started. After that, storage costs $12.99 per month per terabyte (TB). This means you can easily scale your storage up or down depending on your immediate requirements. Need more space for a large video project? Simply increase your storage allocation. Finishing a project and freeing up files? Your storage usage (and bill) will automatically reflect the decrease.

There's no limit to the amount of storage you can use, so you can tackle projects of any size without worrying about exceeding storage limitations. This pay-as-you-go approach ensures you only pay for what you use, maximizing cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

How is file storage managed on a virtual workstation?

Spark Cloud Studio utilizes a virtual file system that seamlessly integrates with your cloud storage but feels just like working with files on your local device. Your files are securely stored on our servers, but they are also accessible and manageable within your virtual workspace, just like you would on your physical workstation. This provides a familiar and efficient file management experience within the cloud environment.

Adobe

How does this work?

Spark Cloud Studio has partnered with Adobe to offer seamless access to Adobe Creative Cloud applications through Spark PowerSuite. You can access and utilize your preferred Adobe software directly within your virtual workstation, without the need for local installations. This eliminates the complexities of software management and ensures you always have access to the latest versions.

What is the cost?

Spark Cloud Studio provides Adobe Creative Cloud access at significantly reduced rates compared to traditional subscriptions. You'll pay a fraction of the price for the same powerful tools. Our pricing model focuses on delivering exceptional value without compromising on features or performance.

The cost of your Spark Cloud Studio Adobe Creative Cloud subscription depends on several factors, including your location and the specific Adobe applications you want to use. To ensure you get the best possible price, we'll provide you with a personalized pricing grid when you sign up. This will outline the various options available, allowing you to select the plan that perfectly suits your needs and budget.

Can I use my Adobe account on other devices? Does my Adobe license work for their mobile apps?

Yes, the Adobe Creative Cloud license you obtain through Spark PowerSuite is a standard, full-featured license. This means you can install and use your Adobe applications on up to two computers simultaneously, in addition to unlimited use on mobile devices. You'll enjoy the same benefits and access to features as if you had purchased the license directly from Adobe.

Is this the entire Adobe Creative Suite available in the cloud? 

Yes, Spark PowerSuite offers access to the complete Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Unlike other cloud-based solutions, we provide a comprehensive platform that empowers you to harness the full potential of Adobe's industry-leading creative tools. Experience the freedom to work seamlessly across the entire suite, from photo editing to video production, all within your virtual workspace.

Is there a catch to the low price? 

No, there’s no catch to the low price and no limitations associated with our Adobe Creative Cloud offering. We believe in transparent pricing and exceptional value. You'll experience the same full-featured Adobe Creative Cloud applications you're accustomed to at a significantly lower price.

Why is Spark Cloud Studio cheaper than Adobe's offerings?

Spark Cloud Studio offers Adobe Creative Cloud at a lower cost by eliminating the overhead associated with traditional software distribution. Our exclusive partnership with Adobe for this cloud-based software delivery model allows us to provide significant savings to our customers without compromising on features or performance.

Billing and Usage

What does it cost to use cloud file storage, workstations, software and farm rendering on Spark Cloud Studio?

Spark Cloud Studio offers a transparent and flexible pricing structure that empowers you to control your spending.
There are no hidden fees or long-term commitments. Unlike traditional models with fixed costs, you only pay for the resources you actually use. Here's what makes our pricing unique:

On-demand Resource Allocation:
You decide the processing power, storage capacity, and software needed for your project. 

Pay-as-you-go Efficiency:
Only incur charges when you're actively using Spark Cloud Studio resources. This eliminates the waste associated with underutilized hardware or unused software licenses that come with traditional setups.

Detailed Cost Tracking:
Our platform provides clear and comprehensive cost tracking tools. You can monitor your resource usage and spending in real-time, allowing you to optimize your workflow and budget effectively.

We understand that cost is a major concern, which is why we prioritize giving you control. With Spark Cloud Studio, you have the power to:

Scale Up or Down Seamlessly:
Easily adjust your resource allocation based on project requirements. Need extra processing power for rendering? Simply upgrade your workstation configuration on the fly. Finish that demanding task and need to scale back? Reduce your resources and pay less.

Know What You’ll Spend Before You Spend It:
Our pricing is straightforward and easy to understand. You'll always know exactly what you're paying for based on your resource consumption.Spark Cloud Studio empowers you to focus on your work without worrying about upfront costs or inflexible pricing structures.  Our on-demand model and detailed cost tracking tools give you complete control over your spending.For a more detailed breakdown of our pricing plans, please visit the pages for each of our tools.

Are there any hidden fees?

Spark Cloud Studio operates with complete transparency. We believe in honest pricing and avoid hidden fees. You only ever pay for the resources you consume, with no unexpected charges.

Are there any setup fees?

We don't charge setup fees. You can start using Spark Cloud Studio immediately without any upfront costs. However, certain advanced features, such as team management, may have associated fees.

How do I upgrade or downgrade my plan?

Spark Cloud Studio empowers you with complete control over your resources. Unlike traditional plans, we offer a dynamic, pay-as-you-go approach. This means you're not locked into rigid tiers; instead, you have the freedom to scale your resources up or down to match the exact demands of your project. Whether you need to ramp up for a major deadline or scale back during slower periods, Spark Cloud Studio adapts to your needs seamlessly.

Is there a free trial available?

To introduce you to Spark Cloud Studio, we offer 5GB of free storage. You can also request free trials for our workstations and render farm services by contacting our sales team.

What payment methods do you accept?

Spark Cloud Studio offers a wide range of convenient payment options to cater to your preferences and needs. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and most digital wallets for seamless transactions.

Is there a discount for long-term commitments or multiple workstations?

Spark Cloud Studio offers discounts for studios large and small, high-volume users and for long-term commitments. To explore these options and discuss your specific needs, please reach out to our sales team for personalized pricing.

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