Cyxtera Launches AI + Quantum Center of Excellence to Drive Innovation
Cyxtera, a leading data center provider, has announced the launch of its new AI + Quantum Center of Excellence (COE) at its LHR3 data center in Reading, U.K. The purpose of the COE is to serve as a hub for companies looking to explore and leverage the capabilities of AI and quantum computing in their environments.
The COE is designed to provide a secure testing lab for AI and quantum workloads. It offers companies access to a wide range of technology providers and strategic partners, as well as the ability to integrate them via Cyxtera’s Digital Exchange network fabric.
Many companies are interested in AI and quantum technologies but are unsure where to start and lack the internal resources necessary to tackle these initiatives. According to Holland Barry, SVP and Field CTO at Cyxtera, the COE aims to address this challenge by providing a controlled lab environment where customers can explore, test, and validate technologies alongside experts from both Cyxtera and its partner organizations.
Cyxtera’s COE has already attracted several founding partners, including Fujitsu, Boston Limited, Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), SECQAI, Amulet Hotkey, and Asperitas. Fujitsu, in particular, is deploying its AI Test Drive Lab within Cyxtera’s COE, providing customers with access to Fujitsu’s infrastructure, solutions, technology from partners like NVIDIA, Intel, and SUSE, as well as consultancy services needed to develop and validate AI theories and models.
Udo Wuertz, CDO of the European Platform Business and Fujitsu Fellow, commented on the collaboration, stating that Cyxtera’s data center platform offers an ideal environment for organizations to explore potential AI scenarios in a rapidly evolving market. By utilizing Fujitsu’s AI Test Drive Lab within the COE, customers and partners can focus on implementing AI projects that provide real market advantages, ultimately avoiding costly decisions and maximizing value.
Boston Limited is also showcasing a range of technologies within Cyxtera’s COE, including its BUDDHA AI development framework and platform, advanced GPU deployments, ultra-low latency network technology, and high-performance storage and network solutions designed for AI and high-performance computing workloads. According to Dev Tyagi, Boston’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, the company is dedicated to providing essential infrastructure, sharing AI knowledge, and supporting Cyxtera and its customers in achieving their AI goals.
In addition, OQC and Cyxtera have partnered on the world’s first integration of a quantum computer in a colocation data center. This collaboration is aimed at making quantum computing more accessible by reducing the challenges typically associated with the distance between classical applications and quantum computers. Simon Phillips, CTO at OQC, believes that the COE is another step towards ensuring businesses can securely engage and explore the potential of quantum computing.
The COE experience includes workshops, training, and ideation sessions where companies can gain a better understanding of their current data flow and application footprint, identify objectives, and participate in AI and quantum training. Additionally, organizations can benefit from proof of concept and validation services to identify the optimal technology and software stack for their use case, as well as rollout to production options that range from fully-managed, end-to-end services to DIY colocation.
Cyxtera’s AI + Quantum Center of Excellence represents a significant step forward in driving innovation and supporting companies in their adoption of AI and quantum technologies. By providing a secure testing lab and access to a diverse range of technology providers and partners, the COE aims to empower organizations to explore, test, and implement these cutting-edge technologies in their operations.