HPE Introduces Cloud Computing Service For AI Systems

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has unveiled a new cloud computing service designed to cater to the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) systems, comparable to the capabilities of ChatGPT.

This move puts HPE in direct competition with established cloud computing providers such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, all of whom are striving to adapt their vast data centres to support the surge in AI-powered services that attract millions of users.

Currently, HPE's cloud computing service is being utilised by a select group of customers. However, the company plans to expand its availability in North America by the end of this year, followed by a launch in Europe next year. With this development, HPE aims to address the unique requirements of AI workloads and position itself as a reliable provider in this evolving market.

Unlike traditional cloud computing data centres, which employ software to partition a physical server into multiple virtual machines for customer usage, AI-focused data centres adopt an alternative approach. These advanced systems aim to connect hundreds or even thousands of computers, effectively creating a cohesive and powerful computing infrastructure that resembles a single, massive computer.

HPE's foray into AI cloud computing builds upon its expertise in developing innovative technologies for supercomputers. Notably, HPE has successfully collaborated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to create the Frontier supercomputer, currently recognised as the world's fastest computer. Leveraging this experience, HPE plans to offer a service tailored specifically for large language models, which underpin services like ChatGPT.

Justin Hotard, the executive vice president and general manager of HPE's high-performance computing and artificial intelligence unit, emphasised that their offering is distinct from those of other cloud partners and sees it as a complementary and specialised solution. In an interview, Hotard stressed the significance of their service, noting that it is not easily accessible or trivial, further highlighting the unique value HPE aims to provide in the market.

(Inputs from Reuters)