As the interest in AI accelerates globally, a resurgence is noticed in a related sector: data center investment. AI-integrated solutions demand higher processing capability, marking data centers as attractive long-term investments. Recently, a $7 billion data center joint venture was announced by Blackstone and Digital Realty, promising additional data centers and enhanced IT capacity.
BT Group has taken a bold step into the future of content delivery with an innovative concept known as Multicast-Assisted Unicast Delivery (MAUD). This technology takes a fresh approach, replacing the traditional individual internet stream with a more efficient consolidated flow. Not only is this technology seamless for consumers, it also delivers substantial resource savings. Furthermore, in an era of environmental consciousness, MAUD offers up to a 50% bandwidth reduction during peak times, resulting in lower energy usage.
SoftBank’s recent €473m acquisition of a 51% stake in Cubic Telecom indicates a growing confidence in connected vehicles’ market. Cubic’s unique software – already utilized in around 17 million vehicles worldwide – allows manufacturers to add new functionality over-the-air, enhancing safety and performance. According to McKinsey & Co, by 2030, 95% of new vehicles are anticipated to be connected, revealing the tremendous potential of this sector.
In a landmark move, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has underscored the significance of Microsoft’s transformative investment, heralding it as pivotal for the continual expansion and innovation within the UK technology sector. The multinational tech giant is set to broaden its data center footprint across the UK, unveiling plans for new facilities in London and Cardiff, with potential future expansion into the North of England. This strategic investment aims to double Microsoft’s existing number of data centers in the UK.
Artificial intelligence pioneer, OpenAI has reversed its decision to dismiss its CEO, amidst signals of internal unrest and potential alliance with Microsoft. While OpenAI’s reinstatement of Sam Altman hints at a desire for stability, speculation abounds around Microsoft’s role and possible influence over OpenAI’s trajectory.
The 2023 Asian Games offered a glimpse into the future of event tech, from eSports to AI-driven systems. Among the innovations, a standout was ‘RADICAL’, an intelligent digital solution by Huawei and China Mobile Zhejiang, designed to manage intense 5G traffic, ensuring an exceptional experience for attendees.
IDC predicts a promising future for the semiconductor industry, driven by AI advancements and a stock level recovery. With a refreshed outlook signaling sustainable growth, the firm anticipates global chip revenue of $526.5 billion in 2023. Progress can be seen in the revised revenue forecast for 2024, hinting at a 20.2% year-on-year growth to $633 billion.
Gartner forecasts a huge 20.4% increase in public cloud services expenditure by 2024, hitting an astounding $679 billion. This surge in spending could be primarily driven by business needs and innovative technologies like generative AI. Interestingly, all cloud market segments Gartner monitors are set to grow, with Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) leading the pack at 26.6%. That said, as the cloud market evolves in response to business outcomes, non-technical issues such as cost, privacy, and sustainability are crucial considerations for an effective GenAI deployment.
In a sharp escalation of theft incidents, Philippines operator Globe reported a loss of 834 backup batteries from their network facilities in 2022’s first half. This, they outline, puts localities at risk of service interruptions during power cuts. This surge may be associated with the modern, high-value sodium nickel batteries introduced by Globe. However, it’s more likely tied to the nation’s steep energy prices and increased cost of living. In the face of these challenges, telco operators must devise robust security measures while continuing to innovate on environmental fronts.
The allure of AI technology and its insatiable demand for data is sparking a new interest in fibre backbones. However, this digital evolution is revealing a myriad of challenges for newcomers, with the fibre industry grappling with economic pressures from inflation, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates. While the European Union’s telecom mergers & acquisitions policy may offer consolidation opportunities, those venturing into this dynamic sector must be prepared for a landscape fraught with potent risk and complexity.
