DDN, Pure Storage, Vast Data, and WekaIO will provide Graphcore-qualified datacentre reference architectures. Their storage solutions will complement the advanced artificial intelligence compute delivered by the Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU) and Poplar Software stack.
The partners are recognised as leading innovators in storage technology, and leaders in the development of systems designed to meet the unique storage requirements of AI compute, including the need for ultra-low latency access, use of unstructured data, and managing highly random, non-sequential data patterns.
Working closely with partners to qualify AI storage systems will enable Graphcore's customer to extract maximum performance and value from their IPU-POD configurations as they look to build and scale their AI compute capability.
“Just as AI computation demands a different type of processor, with the capabilities of the Graphcore IPU, it also requires a fresh approach to datacentre storage systems, which our new storage partners are well placed to deliver,” said Victoria Rege, Director of Global Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at Graphcore.
“The addition of these trusted technology providers means that Graphcore can serve customers through an even richer partner ecosystem that now spans distributors, resellers, server and storage manufacturers, cloud service providers and more.”
The storage partners’ deep sectoral expertise will help to enhance Graphcore’s presence across several sectors, including life sciences, higher education, scientific research, manufacturing, finance, and public sector applications, through on-premise deployments.
Over the next quarter, Graphcore said that it will be working with its partners to publish a range of resources for customers including reference architectures and deployment guides.
