Unlike many other processors on the market today, second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors are designed to address the unique data-intensive requirements of artificial intelligence (AI). This line of processors specifically targets inference-based machine learning, a category of AI in which a model receives input and uses its past training to return an answer. This is a category poised to reshape the computing landscape in many ways with its range of applications, including recommendation systems, speech recognition, and image recognition and classification.
While AI remains a relatively early-stage technology, more organizations are beginning to realize the potential benefits it may provide in terms of helping drive improved customer experiences, increased revenues, and reduced costs. Achieving such results is only possible with underlying processors that are powerful enough to parse enormous data sets quickly and efficiently. Intel Xeon Scalable processors are purpose-built to address these needs and to power innovation in the AI space for years to come.
Inference-Based Machine Learning and the Next Evolution of AI
To understand the concept of inference-based machine learning, it is useful to think of consumer technologies such as the Amazon Echo with the Alexa virtual assistant, which has exploded in popularity in recent years. When Alexa is asked a question about traffic conditions and decides to offer an update about current commuting times, that is inference-based machine learning at work. The language processing functionality is the training component that was developed earlier in the lab. This is an important distinction: training is typically done within a powerful centralized computer array, and inference is likely to be pushed out to the edge to deliver actionable results to end-users. Innovation in this space is only just beginning, and the Intel Xeon Scalable processor family is capable of powering the next big leap in ambitious digital initiatives spurred on by AI.
Intel Optane & Xeon's Foundational Enhancements & Innovative Integrations
A foundational element of the Xeon Scalable processor’s performance improvement over previous generations is the support for Intel’s Optane DC persistent memory, a class of memory and storage innovation for data-centric environments that has individual module capacities up to 512 GB and can deliver up to 36 TB of system-level memory capacity when combined with traditional dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). This equates to the potential for much faster service delivery than ever before.
To help deliver AI readiness across the data center, to the edge and back, Intel has integrated its Deep Learning Boost (Intel DL Boost) technology into the second-generation Xeon processors as well. DL Boost is specifically designed for AI use cases. It extends Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) with a new Vector Neural Network Instruction (VNNI) that significantly increases deep learning inference performance over previous generations. According to Intel, the second generation Xeon Scalable processor can perform up to 30 times faster on deep learning workloads compared to the prior generation. Companies in all industries which are capable of effectively leveraging this power and deploying it successfully will undoubtedly have the opportunity to gain significant advantages over their competitors.
Ready to Power Your AI Solution with Intel Optane & Xeon Processors?
An organization’s ability to deliver innovative solutions with the latest advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, will increasingly define its success and create a significant competitive advantage. UNICOM Engineering has decades of experience partnering with industry leaders, including Intel and Dell Technologies, both of which help enable such innovative new solutions. As an Intel Technology Provider (ITP) and Dell Technologies Titanium OEM partner, our wide-ranging expertise allows our customers to implement their solutions quickly and efficiently without needing to navigate the typical burdens associated with bringing new products to market.
To learn more about 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors or Intel Optane, and to see how UNICOM Engineering can streamline your time to market, our website or contact us at (800) 977-1010.