Ooredoo Group’s new QAR 2 billion financing deal highlights their innovative approach in the growing MENA market for data centers and AI. This partnership involving QNB, Doha Bank, and Masraf Al Rayan emphasizes Ooredoo’s commitment to developing cutting-edge infrastructure and advancing digital transformation.
SoftBank and Nokia have partnered to research cutting-edge communication technologies, focusing on AI-RAN and 6G innovations. By leveraging Nokia’s Cloud RAN and conducting field tests, they aim to transform digital society. This collaboration underscores the critical role of AI in telecommunication, promising scalable and reliable communication networks essential for smart cities.
Huawei is expanding its AI cloud services across the Asia-Pacific region, significantly growing despite US-led sanctions. Their offerings, including Ascend Cloud Service and Pangu large language model, aim to revolutionize sectors like finance and weather forecasting. This strategic move presents exciting opportunities for VoIP engineers and IT professionals.
South Korean telecommunications leader SKT is enhancing its position in artificial intelligence with a $200 million investment in Smart Global Holdings. By acquiring a significant stake, SKT strengthens its AI infrastructure capabilities. This strategic move underscores SKT’s commitment to evolving as a global AI powerhouse, integrated with cutting-edge Nvidia GPU technology.
This week, SoftBank announced the acquisition of UK-based AI chipmaker Graphcore, valued around $600 million. Known for its intelligence processing units, Graphcore’s technology competes with Nvidia’s but has faced commercialization challenges. SoftBank aims to rejuvenate Graphcore, leveraging the rising demand for advanced AI compute power.
AMD’s acquisition of Silo AI for $665 million boosts its AI capabilities and positions the semiconductor giant to better compete with industry leaders like Nvidia. By integrating Europe’s largest private AI lab, AMD aims to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions, enhancing enterprise offerings and leveraging robust VoIP models for improved communication systems.
Fastweb has launched NeXXt AI Factory, introducing Italy’s first DGX SuperPOD AI supercomputer. Located in Bergamo, the facility enhances Italy’s AI landscape, empowering startups, universities, and businesses. Fastweb’s robust computing power and partnerships ensure high-quality AI applications, positioning Italy at the forefront of technological innovation.
The ‘Global State of CX 2024’ report by CX Network highlights rising concerns about data privacy and security. Eaton’s NetDirector KVM over IP switches allow remote management of up to 32 devices with robust security, space-saving design, and compatibility. DE-CIX study shows 70% of major US Internet Exchanges are now neutral. Lanner unveils the ECA-6051, a high-performance edge AI server.
In a significant move towards bolstering AI infrastructure in Asia, Japan’s KDDI and Sharp have initiated discussions with Super Micro Computer Inc. and Datasection to establish the region’s largest AI data centre. The ambitious project will be situated at the soon-to-be-closed Sharp Sakai Plant in Osaka, marking a strategic repurposing of the unprofitable facility slated to shut down in September.
Global revenue from AI semiconductors is projected to reach $71 billion in 2024, marking a 33% increase from the previous year, according to a recent Gartner report. Gartner also anticipates that AI-equipped PCs will constitute 22% of total PC shipments in 2024. By the end of 2026, all enterprise PC purchases are expected to feature AI capabilities.
