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.
his week, the University of Bristol has powered up Isambard-AI, the UK’s fastest and most potent supercomputer, following a £225 million investment announced by the government last March. Built by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Isambard-AI boasts over 5,000 NVIDIA superchips, enabling it to execute a staggering 200 quadrillion calculations per second. Officially named the AI Research Resource (AIRR), this supercomputer surpasses its predecessor by a factor of ten in computational power, aiming to support critical AI technology development.
UK-based autonomous vehicle startup Wayve has announced a significant investment of $1.05 billion aimed at advancing its development of self-driving cars powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The funding round was led by SoftBank, a Japanese multinational conglomerate, with substantial contributions from tech giants Nvidia and Microsoft.
Indonesian telecom operator Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has unveiled impressive financial results for the first quarter of 2024, alongside highlighting strategic partnerships with global tech giants Nvidia, Cisco, and Mastercard. In Q1, Indosat recorded total revenue of $873 million, marking a robust 15.8% year-on-year increase. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surged by 22.1%, with an EBITDA margin of 47.0%, while net profit soared by 39.4% to reach $82 million.
Softbank, the Japanese telecommunications giant, is gearing up to bolster its supercomputing capabilities in a bid to support its ambitious generative AI (GenAI) strategy. As reported by Nikkei, Softbank plans to allocate JPY150 billion ($960 million) over the next two years towards upgrading its computing infrastructure, a significant leap from the JPY20 billion invested last year.
