Hitachi launches AI platform with NVIDIA to enhance GenAI

Hitachi Vantara has announced the release of Hitachi iQ, integrating the NVIDIA HGX platform to provide an end-to-end infrastructure solution for modern AI systems.

Hitachi iQ is specifically designed to address the growing need for efficient implementation of AI technologies across various industries. With applications in fields such as large language models, inferencing, model training, analytics, digital twins, and image processing, these solutions are tailored to optimise costs while maintaining performance.

Research from ESG indicates a significant demand for Generation AI (GenAI), with 97% of organisations ranking it as a high priority.

However, more than half of these organisations find their current infrastructure insufficiently prepared for GenAI solutions, and a substantial 77% acknowledge that data quality issues present a hurdle to effective adoption.

In response, Hitachi iQ aims to improve AI performance by directly addressing these infrastructural challenges. The system saturates GPUs with data, leveraging the capabilities of NVIDIA's latest computing platform. This enables quicker insights and fosters efficient AI processes.

The integration of NVIDIA H100 and H200 Tensor Core GPUs with storage, networking, and servers within Hitachi iQ forms a comprehensive platform for generative AI applications. The use of distributed file systems enhances data processing for improved pattern identification, while access to varied datasets offers AI models the opportunity to learn from a broad spectrum of scenarios.

Efforts to improve the economics and sustainability of AI are evident in the zero-copy architecture of Hitachi iQ, which circumvents unnecessary data duplication and transfer between storage phases, therefore enhancing efficiency.

Notably, the solution incorporates the latest AMD EPYC processors and NVIDIA ConnectX-7 networking technology, featuring up to 400Gb/s connectivity via InfiniBand or Ethernet.

The introduction of PCIe Generation 5 E3.S NVMe drive technology further augments performance for mission-critical data solutions in high-performance computing and AI workloads.

Chief Technology Officer for Artificial Intelligence at Hitachi Vantara, Jason Hardy, stated, "Our customers are looking for advanced solutions to meet the ever-evolving demands of AI, and the Hitachi iQ offering with NVIDIA HGX is the latest example of how we are at the forefront of AI innovation." He highlighted that the comprehensive solutions combine Hitachi Vantara's extensive industry knowledge with sophisticated technology.

Shar Narasimhan, Director of Data Center GPUs and AI at NVIDIA, commented, "Pairing NVIDIA's accelerated computing platform with the deep industrial expertise of Hitachi Vantara helps address the growing demand for enterprise-grade AI infrastructure and applications."

The collaboration aims to provide enhanced computing capabilities to support AI workloads.

Allen Lee, Managing Director of Genesis Networks, remarked on the educational sector's need for AI to demonstrate direct ROI. He praised Hitachi iQ for its ability to deliver tailored, industry-specific results through partnerships informed by experience.

The evolution of the Hitachi iQ portfolio continues to draw on the company's experience in IT and Operational Technology (OT) domains across sectors such as railway, energy, and manufacturing.

The portfolio includes a variety of consumption models designed to offer clients infrastructure that meets their needs while enhancing on-premises performance and ROI.

Since its launch in July 2024, the Hitachi iQ portfolio has included the AI Discovery Service, which assists clients in identifying valuable AI use cases, assessing data readiness, determining ROI, and devising a strategic plan for implementing AI successfully.

The Hitachi iQ with NVIDIA HGX platform, alongside Hitachi Content Software for File, is available globally.