In the energy industry, the ability to process massive datasets and run complex simulations is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. High‑performance computing (HPC) has become a critical enabler for engineers, with fully elastic, cloud‑empowered, and connected SaaS delivery redefining how complex challenges are tackled. At SLB, we’ve taken HPC to the next level with our XD products, which are designed to modernize legacy workflows and unlock the full potential of cloud-native technologies.

The challenge of legacy applications

For decades, engineers have relied on trusted tools like Petrel™ subsurface software Intersect™ reservoir simulator and Eclipse™ reservoir simulator to solve complex geological and engineering problems. While these tools have been instrumental in advancing the industry, they were originally designed for on-premises environments, limiting their scalability and flexibility.

This is where XD products come in. By optimizing these applications for the cloud, XD products enable organizations to overcome the constraints of legacy systems. Whether deployed through the Delfi™ managed environment or a validated customer-managed cloud environment, XD products offer the flexibility to meet organizations wherever they are on their digital transformation journey.

On-demand reservoir simulation (ODRS): a game-changer

One of the most transformative HPC-powered innovations within the XD product ecosystem is on-demand reservoir simulation. Traditionally, running reservoir simulations require significant on-premises resources, from high-powered workstations to local clusters and software licenses. Engineers were often constrained by the availability of simulation capabilities, creating bottlenecks that slow down critical workflows.

ODRS changes the game by providing virtually unlimited compute resources and software licenses in the cloud. This means engineers can leverage the full power of elastic cloud computing to run best-in-class engines (Intersect and Eclipse for reservoir simulation, Visage for geomechanics and Petromod for basin modeling) to scale subsurface workflows and improve quality of decisions across oil and gas , carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS) and New Energies —without worrying about resource limitations. Accessible from both on‑premises and the cloud, ODRS delivers elastic burst capacity and, when paired with the XD portfolio, enables transformational workflows such as Agile Reservoir Modeling.

Enabling agile reservoir modeling

In addition to transforming traditional workflows, ODRS in XD products enable the use of additional workflows including agile reservoir modeling (ARM), a next-generation approach to reservoir engineering. ARM allows engineers to iterate quickly, test multiple scenarios, and refine their models in near real-time. This process is critical for making faster, more informed decisions in dynamic operational environments.

This capability is particularly valuable for organizations looking to optimize field development planning, production forecasting, and reservoir management. By enabling rapid iterations and scenario testing, agile reservoir modeling helps teams reduce uncertainty, improve accuracy, and accelerate decision-making.

Proven success and adoption

At SLB, we’re committed to helping you get the most from your XD products—whether you choose Delfi managed environment or deploy on your own infrastructure in Azure, AWS, or GCP. While our validated configurations are designed to deliver the best possible performance and user experience, we recognize that every customer’s environment is unique.

On-demand reservoir simulation is not just a technical solution; it’s a global service designed to meet the needs of a diverse, multinational customer base. With virtually unlimited compute cores, more than 3,500 users, and deployments in more than 35 countries, it has a proven track record of success.

What further sets our offering apart is its ability to comply with strict data residency requirements. We work with customers to meet local compliance standards by enforcing strict job routing and leveraging the transient ODRS data flow, ensuring data does not need to be in the cloud for longer than required.. These capabilities are particularly valuable for global organizations that require consistent service quality across multiple geographies.

Why XD products stand out

Unlike many solutions that simply “lift and shift” legacy applications to the cloud, XD products have been developed specifically to leverage the strengths of cloud-native technologies. This approach ensures superior performance, scalability, and reliability.

With our unique combination of expertise, 30 years of software development, 100 years of domain experience, and a decade of cloud innovation, SLB brings unparalleled knowledge to the table. This depth of experience ensures that XD products are not only robust and mature but also tailored to the specific needs of the energy industry.

Meeting customers where they are

At SLB, we understand that every organization’s digital transformation journey is unique. That’s why XD products are designed to offer flexibility. Whether customers prefer a fully managed solution within the Delfi managed environment or a more hands-on approach with their own validated cloud infrastructure, XD products provide options to suit diverse needs. 

The future of HPC in energy

The role of high‑performance computing in energy is evolving rapidly, shifting from a specialist capability to one foundational to supporting operations. With XD products, organizations can bring modern, cloud‑enabled HPC into new and existing workflows to drive greater efficiency and flexibility.

Whether you’re looking to scale your operations, comply with regional regulations, or simply unlock the full potential of your data, XD offers a proven, flexible solution. Ready to take the next step? Explore how XD can transform your workflows and accelerate your digital transformation journey.