Dell EMC Unveils PowerEdge Servers For AI & ML

Today at Dell Technologies World 2018, Dell EMC announced two new four-socket 14th generation PowerEdge server aimed at artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) the PowerEdge R940xa and PowerEdge R840. The company also announced the latest version of Dell Precision Optimizer, version 5.0, further strengthening AI and ML capabilities. Dell EMC is tightening is relationship with Intel so that both companies can advance AI community innovation, and ML and DL (deep learning) capabilities with Dell EMC Ready Solutions.

Today at Dell Technologies World 2018, Dell EMC announced two new four-socket 14th generation PowerEdge server aimed at artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) the PowerEdge R940xa and PowerEdge R840. The company also announced the latest version of Dell Precision Optimizer, version 5.0, further strengthening AI and ML capabilities. Dell EMC is tightening is relationship with Intel so that both companies can advance AI community innovation, and ML and DL (deep learning) capabilities with Dell EMC Ready Solutions.

AI and ML are technologies that could literally transform the world. But to take it back to baby steps, first they have to tackle smaller issues and deliver better outcomes through the insights they gather. In order to do this at a competitive rate, both AI and ML will need high performance and capacity. Dell EMC had introduced two new powerful four-socket servers, the PowerEdge R940xa and PowerEdge R840, with the performance and density to tackle AI and ML workloads. The new PowerEdge servers leverage Intel Xeon Scalable processors with up to 112 cores and a massive 6TB of memory (with NVDIMM options). They support FPGAs for data-intensive computations. Both also feature OpenManage Enterprise and iDRAC for monitoring and management.

Customer benefits include:

• Rapidly transform data insights into business outcomes with the Dell EMC PowerEdge R940xa, which is designed to accelerate databases for business-critical applications without cloud fees and security risks. It improves application performance by combining up to four CPUs with four graphics processing units (GPUs) in a powerful 1:1 ratio, and it enables low-latency with direct-attached non-volatile memory express (NVMe) drives.
• Drive faster insights to better engage with customers and accelerate innovation with the Dell EMC PowerEdge R840 server, which is designed for in-database analytics. The R840 server minimizes latency with more direct-attached NVMe drives than other market available options and speeds data transfers with a fully integrated ultra-path interconnect.

Dell EMC is strengthening its relationship with Intel in the AI space with its new Dell EMC Ready Solution for HPC. Built on the PowerEdge R740 server, the solution also leverages Intel Xeon Scalable processors and customizable Intel FPGAs. Dell EMC plans to join the Intel AI Builders program, an ecosystem of enterprise-focused technology partners to develop high-quality solutions on Intel AI products. And further, the two companies have partnered to help customers benchmark with workloads on the above solution, letting them know what to expect from their purchase.

While the 5.0 version of Dell Precision Optimizer has been out for a bit, it ties directly into today’s announcements. The software uses AI to automate the adjustment of applications to maximize performance. Other benefits include:

• Custom-optimizing applications: Dell Precision Optimizer learns each application’s behavior in the background and uses that data to employ a trained machine learning model that will automatically adjust the system to optimized settings and deliver up to 394% improvement in application performance. This results in true custom-optimization of any workflow, including standard ISV applications or custom native executable programs.
• Automating systems configuration adjustments: Once activated and a supported application is launched, the software automatically adjusts system configurations such as CPU, memory, storage, graphics and operating system settings. This allows workers to quickly improve workstation performance when switching between applications and projects, like moving from detailed CAD design to high fidelity visualization of the design.

Availability 

The Dell Precision Optimizer and Dell EMC Ready Solution for HPC are available now. The Dell EMC PowerEdge R940xa and R840 are expected to be available May 22.

Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers

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