Hitachi Vantara unveils new AI-ready infrastructure & services

Hitachi Vantara has announced the general availability of its initial offerings under the Hitachi iQ portfolio of AI-ready infrastructure, solutions, and services.

The portfolio includes NVIDIA DGX BasePOD certification, which ensures compliance with rigorous performance and reliability standards, assisting customers in efficiently powering critical AI applications.

Hitachi iQ incorporates the Hitachi Content Software for File solution, providing customers with the necessary speed, efficiency, and processing to expedite and optimise their time to insights, thereby driving transformative business outcomes.

The launch of Hitachi iQ is particularly significant given the current emphasis on AI within enterprises worldwide. A recent survey conducted by Enterprise Strategy Group revealed that 97% of organisations prioritise Generative AI (GenAI) implementation. However, the same survey highlighted some concerns: only 44% of organisations have well-defined policies regarding GenAI, and merely 37% believe their infrastructure and data ecosystems are well-prepared for implementing GenAI solutions.

Achieving NVIDIA DGX BasePOD certification underscores Hitachi Vantara's dedication to providing a robust, scalable, and high-performance data infrastructure capable of supporting advanced AI workloads.

This certification signifies that the solution meets high standards for reliability and performance while also being equipped to handle the extensive bandwidth and speed requirements of modern networks.

"NVIDIA DGX BasePOD certification not only tells you that this solution has met rigorous standards for reliability and performance, but it also represents a significant upgrade to handle the extensive bandwidth and speed required by today’s networks," stated Octavian Tanase, Chief Product Officer of Hitachi Vantara.

"Hitachi iQ is equipped to handle the most demanding AI workloads, helping our customers enjoy seamless, high-speed AI operations that keep them ahead of the curve."

To further support customers on their AI journey, Hitachi Vantara will also introduce a new AI Discovery Service. This service is designed to assist customers in identifying the most valuable AI use cases, assess their data readiness, determine ROI, and create a strategic roadmap for successful AI implementation. Customers can select from various AI consultative services ranging from a three-week Discovery programme to an Advisory and Jumpstart programme lasting up to 12 weeks. These programmes include technology assessments, proof-of-concept scoping, production planning, and more.

"AI solutions require a combination of tools, technologies, platforms, and frameworks that facilitate model development, deployment, and management," explained Jeb Horton, Senior Vice President of Global Services at Hitachi Vantara.

"By combining the industry expertise of Hitachi and Hitachi group company partners such as GlobalLogic with the Hitachi iQ solutions portfolio, the company offers a unique blend of infrastructure and services capabilities to provide the market with customised, industry-specific tools."

Tony Paikeday, Senior Director of DGX Systems at NVIDIA, added, “Organisations across industries are looking to build the right AI platform that will help them turn their data into intelligence. The combination of solutions built on NVIDIA’s DGX platform and software, coupled with Hitachi Vantara’s expertise in AI discovery and planning, will help provide customers with a foundation to turbocharge their generative AI capabilities.”

Hitachi has extensive IT/OT domain expertise in industries such as rail, energy, and manufacturing, and is a leader in integrating IT infrastructure with business applications. Offering multiple consumption models, Hitachi iQ provides mechanisms for customers to consume the data infrastructure they need while improving on-premises performance and enhancing ROI.

Hitachi iQ and the AI Discovery Service are now both available globally.