VAST Data has partnered with Cisco to unveil a new collaboration at Cisco Live 2024, introducing a high-performance AI infrastructure solution. This joint effort integrates the VAST Data platform with Cisco’s Ethernet-based AI fabric, specifically designed to efficiently handle data at exabyte scale. The VAST Data platform, offering unified storage, databases, and data-driven function engine services tailored for AI workloads, is now optimized and compatible with the Cisco Nexus HyperFabric. By seamlessly integrating with Cisco Cloud Controller, the integration streamlines deployment and management within data centers. This collaboration allows for end-to-end visibility into compute, networking, storage, and data management, enabling organizations to efficiently scale their AI operations with NVIDIA GPU servers and Cisco networks.
The demand for exceptional scale and performance in AI applications has fueled investments in Ethernet networking technologies, with an IDC report showing a 20.1% increase in the Ethernet switching market in 2023, reaching $44.2 billion. The integration of NVIDIA and VAST Data with Cisco enables innovative connectivity through Ethernet-powered AI network fabrics, offering unmatched programmability, performance, flexibility, and efficiency to meet the demanding requirements of modern AI platforms.
Renen Hallak, CEO and co-founder of VAST Data, emphasized the partnership’s role in simplifying the adoption of enterprise AI, facilitating the transition from proof of concept to production. The certification of Ethernet-based Cisco Nexus switches with the VAST Data platform further enhances the scale, speed, and efficiency required for AI applications. Cisco Nexus switches provide industry-leading performance, scalability, and real-time telemetry through the Cisco Nexus panel, enhancing network management and operations across infrastructure endpoints.
Jonathan Davidson, executive vice president and general manager of networking at Cisco, highlighted the increasing need for efficient, high-speed access to massive data sets essential for AI workloads. He expressed confidence in partnering with VAST Data and NVIDIA to address enterprise network, data, and security challenges, accelerating business innovation. The Cisco-integrated VAST data platform is currently available in beta to select customers, with general availability expected in Q4 2024.
In conclusion, the collaboration between VAST Data and Cisco at Cisco Live 2024 signifies a significant step in delivering high-performance AI infrastructure that can efficiently manage data at exabyte scale. The partnership aims to simplify the adoption of enterprise AI, providing organizations with the tools and capabilities needed to scale their AI operations effectively and address the challenges of modern AI platforms.
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