Ai and the Cloud

There is a two-way critical interdependence between AI and the cloud

Amidst the AI dominance of boardroom discussions and headlines, there is one factor, whose catalyzing importance often goes under the radar: the cloud. Let’s take a look.

There is a two-way critical interdependence between AI and the cloud:

— Cloud computing is AI’s critical infrastructure. AI is literally running on the cloud.

— AI is a tremendous added value for the cloud, enhancing its functionality (i.e. automation, data analytics, security) and scalability.

It might be going against public belief, but it’s not AI driving innovation but the synergy between AI and the cloud. Which is why building an AI-native cloud is becoming the name of the game.

There is no better justification for this twist than the emphasis that leading infrastructure companies are putting on cloud native technology.

Huawei with its Cloud Native 2.0 approach is a very good example:

— Introduced as early as the end of 2020, Cloud Native 2.0 features a new technical architecture: distributed cloud, application-driven infrastructure, hybrid deployment, unified scheduling, decoupled compute-storage, automated data governance, trusted DevOps, serverless, heterogeneous integration based on soft bus, multi-modal iterative industry AI, and all-round security.

— The new architecture translates to visible benefits in enterprise digital transformation: efficient resources, agile applications, Internet of Things, ultimate experience, service intelligence, security and trustworthiness, and industry enablement.

One of the most notable aspects of Huawei’s Cloud Native 2.0 strategy is the way that it connects AI and the cloud, via a parallel bi-polar focus in 2 directions:

— AI for Cloud — Cloud for AI

Via this dual strategy, Huawei is using AI to optimize cloud infrastructure ("AI for Cloud"), while simultaneously leveraging cloud resources to enhance AI development and deployment ("Cloud for AI").

The extent to which this dual play is critical is reflected in corporate spend. According to Huawei’s Intelligent World 2030 report:

— By 2030, cloud services will account for 87% of enterprises’ application expenditure, while

— AI computing will account for 7% of a company’s total IT investment

Companies of all kinds are realizing that no matter the industry they are in and their role in the value chain, they are fast becoming software companies. In the sense that their ability to effectively deploy software can be a critical make or break factor. In turn, this ability depends on adopting cloud native technologies.

For one main reason: because cloud native technologies mean fast delivery, which is a critical go-to-market component.

This is a play in progress. Choosing the right cloud infrastructure (and provider) is becoming one of the main decisions companies will have to make, greatly influencing their ability to make good use of AI and to innovate.

Author

AiUTOMATING PEOPLE, ABN ASIA was founded by people with deep roots in academia, with work experience in the US, Holland, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. ABN Asia is where academia and technology meet opportunity. With our cutting-edge solutions and competent software development services, we're helping businesses level up and take on the global scene. Our commitment: Faster. Better. More reliable. In most cases: Cheaper as well.

Feel free to reach out to us whenever you require IT services, digital consulting, off-the-shelf software solutions, or if you'd like to send us requests for proposals (RFPs). You can contact us at [email protected]. We're ready to assist you with all your technology needs.

© ABN ASIA