So check this out, Dell is getting in on the Generative AI game and they are going all out. They want to give their customers all the options they need to customize their enterprise AI models. And it’s no surprise that Dell is focusing on AI because they’ve seen their profits get a nice boost from all the corporate interest in this space. It’s like artificial intelligence is the wind at their backs, according to Dell’s vice chairman and chief operating officer, Jeff Clarke.
But they’re not stopping there. Dell is also teaming up with data analytics company Starburst to access multiple data sources for their AI models. They know that in order to succeed in this space, they need more than just great hardware and software. They need the right data to feed into their AI models. So they’re expanding their services and partnerships to make sure they can deliver on that front.
Now, they did roll out their first Generative AI lineup a while back, but that was mostly focused on inferencing with existing models. Now, they want to take it to the next level. They want to customize and tune their AI models to fit specific needs. They know that one size doesn’t always fit all, especially when it comes to AI. So they’re stepping up their game and giving their customers more flexibility.
‘Hesitancy’ and customization
But here’s the thing, Dell has noticed that there is a lot of hesitancy among enterprise customers when it comes to adopting Generative AI. Why? Well, there are a few reasons. First, there’s the technical complexity. AI can be pretty complex, and not everyone is ready to dive into it headfirst. Then there’s the issue of security and data governance. Companies are understandably concerned about how their data will be handled and protected in the AI process.
But here’s one of the big reasons why customization is so important. Many early adopters have found that the pre-trained AI models available just don’t quite fit their needs. They need to make some tweaks and adjustments to get it just right. According to Carol Wilder, Dell’s VP for cross portfolio software and solutions, enterprises need to go beyond pre-trained models and customize large language models to make them work for their corporate data.
So that’s where Dell comes in. They’ve just announced the Dell Validated Design for Generative AI: Model Customization. This new offering allows users to customize and tune their AI models, making it easier and faster to deploy them. And you know what? This is coming soon, like in late October. You’ll be able to get it through traditional channels or Dell’s APEX IT as-a-service arrangement. They’re really making it convenient for their customers.
And they’re not stopping there. Dell is also expanding their professional services. They now have Data Preparation Services to help clean up customer data and get it in the right format for AI projects. They’ve got Implementation Services to help companies set up their GenAI platform for inferencing and model customization. And they’ve got Education Services to make sure workers have the skills they need to succeed in the AI world.
According to Carol Wilder, Dell can work with customers to develop a strategy, define their vision and solution architecture, and identify the use cases and models that will drive their business outcomes. They’re really going all out to make sure their customers succeed in the world of AI.
Now, I mentioned earlier that Dell is also collaborating with Starburst on a “modern data lakehouse.” Basically, they want to support a broader range of AI workloads and analytics. They want to make it easier for customers to run their workloads on any cloud platform they choose. And you know what’s cool? They’re aiming to deliver this in the first half of 2024. So keep an eye out for that.
AI is a big deal for Dell. In fact, it accounted for 20 percent of their server revenue in the first half of this year. They’re serious about this stuff. And with all these new offerings and partnerships, it looks like they’re setting themselves up for even more success in the AI space. Stay tuned for more updates on Dell and their adventures in Generative AI. It’s gonna be exciting. Peace!
