In this LinkedIn Pulse article, Stephen Foskett explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the integration of business workflows. He highlights the pivotal role of AI in enhancing communication and automating processes, thereby facilitating more effective and streamlined operations across various industries. Foskett underscores the significance of strategically implementing AI technologies to achieve greater operational efficiency and adaptability in today’s competitive business landscape. This insight was inspired by a briefing with Appian and the recent Integrail presentation at AI Field Day 5.
GitOps at the VMware Software Defined Edge
Alastair Cooke highlights the integration of GitOps practices at VMware’s Software Defined Edge, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and deployability. By leveraging GitOps, VMware aims to streamline the management of edge computing resources, ensuring more consistent, secure, and automated deployments. The approach underscores the company’s commitment to adopting modern development practices to optimize and secure edge computing environments. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Alastair Cooke following VMware’s presentation at AI Field Day 5.
OnLogic: Shaking Up Edge Computing from the Green Mountains
OnLogic is at the forefront of innovating edge computing solutions, right from the scenic Green Mountains. Their expertise lies in designing robust, customizable hardware tailored to withstand the unique demands of edge computing environments. By combining durability with cutting-edge technology, OnLogic empowers businesses across various industries to achieve seamless operational efficiency and reliability. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Ivan McPhee following OnLogic’s presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
Avassa: Edge Computing Solutions for “That Guy” and Everyone Else
Avassa is at the forefront of transforming edge computing by tailoring solutions not just for niche experts but for every level of user, empowering both “That Guy” and the broader audience to manage and deploy applications seamlessly. Their innovative approach simplifies complex processes, ensuring scalability and robust performance across various industries seeking edge solutions. By focusing on user-friendly interfaces and powerful backend integrations, Avassa is making edge computing accessible and efficient for everyone. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Ivan McPhee following Avassa’s presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
Tsecond: Big Data, Small Package
Tsecond, founded in 2020, is redefining data management through its flagship product, the BRYCK, a mobile storage and computing solution that boasts up to 1 petabyte of data capacity. Housed in a compact and durable frame, the BRYCK is specifically engineered for extensive data capture, transportation, and AI processing in edge environments, positioning it as an essential tool across diverse sectors such as aerospace, defense, media, and industrial IoT. With variations like BRYCK AI, crafted explicitly for AI tasks, Tsecond addresses major hurdles in data handling efficiency. However, the true test of the BRYCK’s potential lies in its performance under real-world operational conditions, where its innovative design aims to prove crucial. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Ivan McPhee following Tsecond’s presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
Journey to the Far Edge
Jon Hildebrand reflects on the challenge of designing data centers for edge environments, which are far more unpredictable than traditional data centers. Drawing from personal experience, he discusses how they managed factors like cooling, power, and network connectivity, but also encountered unforeseen issues like vibrations from the trailer’s movement that led to structural problems. These challenges highlight the need for specialized equipment, such as those from OnLogic, a company that produces rugged, industrial-grade computers designed for extreme environments. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article following OnLogic’s presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
Can You Make Edge Computing at Scale Effortless?
This LinkedIn Pulse article by Jack Poller explores the potential of scaling edge computing effortlessly. He delves into the challenges associated with deployment, management, and security at the edge, considering the implications for large-scale operations. Poller also examines how advancements in automation and integrated technologies could simplify the process, making scalable edge computing more attainable for businesses. This article was written following ZEDEDA’s presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
Can You Gain Advantage With Software-defined Edge?
In this LinkedIn Pulse article, Jack Poller explores the strategic benefits of adopting software-defined edge computing as presented by VMware at Edge Field Day 3. He emphasizes how this approach enhances performance by reducing latency and allowing for more efficient data processing closer to the source of data generation. Poller also discusses the potential for software-defined edge to provide businesses with a competitive edge by improving responsiveness and enabling more sophisticated data-driven decision-making.
Hyperscale AI networks with Arista at AI Field Day
Arista Networks highlighted the need for enhanced network infrastructures at AI Field Day, focusing on the challenges of supporting complex AI models with higher bandwidth and lower power consumption. They introduced innovative solutions like Distributed Etherlink Switches to manage congestion and low-power optics to boost bandwidth, aimed at large-scale AI networks prevalent in heavy GPU environments. Additionally, Arista showcased their Cloud Vision management system, which leverages AI to simplify network operations, proving their dedication to evolving network technologies in accordance with the growing demands of AI workloads. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Alastair Cooke, who attended the Arista presentation at AI Field Day 5.
Arista Highlights the Power of AI
At AI Field Day 5, Arista Networks underscored the significant hurdles in deploying GPU clusters for AI training, highlighting issues like the immense power consumption driven by high data transfer demands ranging from 800Gb/s to 1.6 terabits for GPU communications. Arista suggested a shift towards energy-efficient linear pluggable optics to mitigate power consumption issues and discussed management of heat generation, noting the partial benefits of liquid cooling solutions but emphasizing that these do not fully address the broader environmental impacts. The company pointed out the urgent need for efficiency improvements in the computing industry to navigate upcoming operational and environmental challenges. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Justin Warren, who attended the Arista presentation at AI Field Day 5.
Enfabrica SuperNIC for massive clusters at AI Field Day
At AI Field Day, Enfabrica introduced its Accelerated Compute Fabric SuperNIC (ACF-S), aimed at enhancing connectivity in large compute clusters. The ACF-S features innovative integration with hardware accelerators like GPUs, supporting high bandwidths with a multi-layer crossbar switch capable of handling 5Tbps for PCIe and 3.2Tbps for Ethernet. This technology is set to boost load balancing, fault tolerance, and scalability, crucial for training complex language models, and is expected to transition into a more adaptable PCIe card format. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Alastair Cooke, who attended the Enfabrica presentation at AI Field Day 5.
Integrail Just Launched: No-code AI Agents – Your Sales and Marketing Assistant
Integrail has launched an innovative no-code platform for creating AI agents, designed to boost sales and marketing efficiency, as announced at AI Field Day 5. This user-friendly platform supports integration with leading large language models like those from OpenAI, Meta, and Google, and hooks into key business tools such as MS365 and Salesforce. Additionally, it leverages Retrieval-Augmented Generation for enhanced accuracy and offers the capability to assess and select from up to 25 different models to best meet individual business requirements, though it has also raised concerns regarding copyright and data storage issues in light of the EU AI Act. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Liselotte Foverskov, who attended the Integrail presentation at AI Field Day 5.
COBOL to AI: Conquering Mainframe Modernization Fears
At Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE, BMC Software addressed the challenges of mainframe modernization, focusing on the cumulative complexity rather than COBOL itself, and introduced their Automated Mainframe Intelligence (AMI) suite to enhance modernization with AI-driven tools for automated DevOps, security, and identifying inefficiencies. They emphasized an ethical approach to AI integration, stressing transparency, data privacy, and responsible workforce management. BMC advocated for starting with small-scale pilot projects and highlighted the importance of both technological and cultural changes for successful digital transformation. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Marian Newsome following Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE Kansas City 2024.
Opengear: Zero Touch Out-Of-Band
At Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live 2024, Opengear introduced significant enhancements in out-of-band management, transitioning to a zero-touch deployment model, enhancing their previous “light touch” system. The integration of the Lighthouse Service Portal and Smart Management Fabric plays a crucial role in enabling effortless connectivity across wide geographic areas, including via cellular connections. Although the update was well-received for its practicality for network engineers, concerns about latency and compliance with governmental security standards were noted, alongside an acknowledgment of Opengear’s dedication to evolving and responsive technological advances in network management. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Eric Stewart.
Cisco Ethernet and validated designs at AI Field Day
At AI Field Day, Cisco demonstrated its latest advancements in Ethernet technology and validated designs, underscoring the importance of sturdy network infrastructure for AI applications. Their presentation focused on the improved performance, scalability, and security of their Ethernet solutions, designed to help organizations efficiently utilize AI. This initiative exhibited Cisco’s dedication to innovation in networking and artificial intelligence, ensuring enterprises have the reliable network performance needed to optimize their AI investments. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Alastair Cooke.
AIFD5 Recap
In this LinkedIn video, Mitch Ashley discussed how major tech vendors like VMware and Elastic are incorporating AI, ML, and GenAI into their business strategies. He highlighted the unique approaches these companies take in integrating advanced technologies into their operational frameworks and products. Ashley’s analysis underscores the rapid pace of technological innovation fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence.
VMware Private AI at AI Field Day
At AI Field Day, VMware focused on private AI solutions, delivering a secure, controlled deployment environments for AI models. VMware’s infrastructure and cloud technologies are leveraged to ensure compliance and security while enabling businesses to capitalize on AI advancements. The presentation underlined the tailored benefits and potential industry-specific solutions offered by VMware’s private AI initiatives. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Alastair Cooke.
Elastic brings Vectors to Semantic Search at AI Field Day 5
At AI Field Day 5, Elastic introduced an enhancement to its semantic search capabilities by integrating vector search. This new feature not only supports the creation and storage of vector data but also facilitates the use of multiple embedding models, improving memory efficiency through techniques like quantization. These advancements significantly enhance the precision and relevance of search results, positioning Elastic as a crucial player in the development and testing of Large Language Model applications and related technologies. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Alastair Cooke.
Keysight
Justin Warren comments on the Keysight Technologies presentation at AI Field Day 5. Coming from a legacy of innovation tracing back to HP/Agilent, and enhanced by acquiring Ixia, Keysight has unveiled a new AI data center test platform dedicated to benchmarking AI network performance and optimizing GPU clusters. This role is critical as it addresses reducing latency and optimizing expensive AI systems, especially during model training, with the capability to handle network troubleshooting at speeds up to 800 Gb/s. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article.
Cisco Says AI Networking Is Just Another Workload
During Cisco’s presentation at AI Field Day 5 the company positioned AI networking as a regular workload appearing in enterprise IT environments. The company highlighted the importance of a flexible network structure capable of handling varied workloads, leveraging their robust cloud networking foundation seen in products like UCS and Nexus to manage the demands of AI technologies. Despite the challenges associated with GPU clusters, Cisco remains optimistic about using its existing software-defined networking solutions to support AI applications, with the pragmatic adoption by early users shaping the future integration of AI in networking strategies. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Justin Warren.
