Microsoft Launches Two Data Center Chips To Accelerate AI Apps

Microsoft introduced two new infrastructure chips for data center (photo; x @AndrewCurran_ ·)

JAKARTA Microsoft introduced two of the latest infrastructure chips designed for data centers to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) operations and improve data security. This announcement was made at the Ignite conference which took place on Tuesday 19 November.

Microsoft has allocated huge resources to develop dedicated chips that support general applications and artificial intelligence. The move is in line with corporate strategies like Amazon and Google, which also design chips specifically for their own needs, offering performance excellence and cost efficiency.

Two of Microsoft's newest chips are designed to support data center infrastructure in depth. The first chip, Azure Integrated HSM (Hardware Security Module), aims to improve security by storing encryption data and other sensitive information in a dedicated security module. This chip will be installed on each new server that will be used in the data center starting next year.

Meanwhile, the second chip is Data Processing Unit (DPU), which integrates several server components into a single chip focused on cloud storage data processing. Microsoft claims the chip is capable of carrying out certain tasks with three times lower power consumption and four times higher performance than previous hardware.

Rani Borkar, Vice President of Corporate Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure, said that Microsoft is trying to optimize each layer of infrastructure to ensure data centers are able to meet the rapid needs of information processing needed by AI.

With this new chip, Microsoft reduces its dependence on processors from Intel and Nvidia, which previously dominated the data center hardware market.

In addition to chip launches, Microsoft also introduced a new cooling system for data center servers that use liquids to lower component temperature. This technology is designed to support large-scale AI systems that require high cooling efficiency.

With the launch of two new chips and advanced cooling systems, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to leading innovations in data center technology, as well as answering performance and security challenges in the era of artificial intelligence.