Lenovo, Intel join forces for HPC and AI convergence

Lenovo and Intel said today they will partner on converging high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI). The multiyear arrangement will have three focus areas: systems and solutions; software optimization for HPC and AI convergence; and ecosystem enablement.

The partnership builds on previous collaboration between the two companies. Intel’s 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable platform and Lenovo Neptune liquid cooling technology have already been proven to work well together in what Intel called “remarkable results from joint engineering and utilizing a unique combination of HPC IP from the two companies.”
 

In terms of systems and solutions, the partnership will focus on scaling breakthrough HPC and AI technologies to users and use cases of any size. Affected products include Intel Xe computing architecture; Intel Optane DC persistent memory; Intel oneAPI programming framework; and Intel Xeon Scalable processors, CPUs which have built-in AI acceleration from Intel Deep Learning Boost. 

In the area of software, the project will include optimizing Lenovo’s LiCO HPC/AI software stack for Intel’s next-generation technologies and aligning it with Intel’s oneAPI programming framework. 

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Additionally, the two will collaborate on creating a new ecosystem specifically designed to encourage the convergence of HPC and AI. This will include opening new facilities for this effort around the world.     

“Our goal is to further accelerate innovation into the Exascale era, aggressively waterfalling these solutions to scientists and businesses of all sizes to speed discovery and outcomes,” said Kirk Skaugen, executive vice president of Lenovo and president of Lenovo Data Center Group, in a prepared statement.