Recent developments in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape have seen leading companies make significant investments and partnerships aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure and capabilities. From BlackRock's ambitious USD 100 billion initiative to Microsoft’s investment in Brazil, these efforts underscore the growing importance of AI. Here’s a look at five major stories shaping the AI ecosystem:
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1. BlackRock and Partners Launch USD 100 Billion AI Investment Initiative
BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, Microsoft, and MGX announced the formation of the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP) to invest in new data centers and energy infrastructure in the US.
The initiative aims to meet the growing demand for computing power and support AI innovation. The partners, in a statement on September 17, said GAIIP seeks to unlock USD 30 billion in private equity capital, potentially mobilising up to USD 100 billion in total investments. Nvidia will provide expertise in AI data centers to enhance the ecosystem, while the partnership promotes an open architecture for diverse companies and partners.
"Mobilising private capital to build AI infrastructure, like data centers and power, will unlock a multi-trillion-dollar long-term investment opportunity," said Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock. "Data centers are the bedrock of the digital economy, and these investments will help power economic growth, create jobs, and drive AI technology innovation."
"The capital spending needed for AI infrastructure and the new energy to power it goes beyond what any single company or government can finance," said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. "This financial partnership will not only help advance technology but also enhance national competitiveness, security, and economic prosperity."
2. Salesforce and Google Cloud Expand Partnership to Deliver Autonomous AI Agents
Customers can now deploy AI agents that work securely across Salesforce Customer 360 apps and Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, and Slides.
Salesforce has announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to introduce Salesforce Agentforce Agents, enhancing collaboration across Salesforce Customer 360 and Google Workspace. This launch allows customers to deploy autonomous agents, such as the Sales Development Representative (SDR) Agent, which can engage with prospects 24/7 and perform tasks like generating Google Slides and updating Salesforce records using data from Google BigQuery.
The integration leverages Zero Copy technology for efficient data access while ensuring robust privacy protections. Agentforce capabilities are set to be generally available later this year, Salesforce and Google said in a joint statement on September 17.
"We're creating the world’s first agent ecosystem together with partners like Google Cloud,” said Brian Landsman, Executive Vice President, Global Technology Partners, Salesforce. "Humans work across many systems to get work done, and to be effective, agents need to as well. Together, Salesforce and Google Cloud are delivering a fully AI-infused productivity suite."
3. Dell Technologies Launches AI Program for Telecom
Dell Technologies has introduced Dell AI for Telecom, a new initiative aimed at accelerating AI deployments for communications service providers (CSPs). Dell Technologies said it commissioned a recent MeriTalk study that found that 48 percent of telecom executives view AI as the most transformative technology over the next five years, yet 68 percent struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
The Dell AI for Telecom program integrates Dell's AI expertise and infrastructure with software and silicon from the AI ecosystem, enabling CSPs to enhance network performance and improve customer service. The program will develop and deploy on-premises AI solutions that CSPs can use to enhance network performance, improve customer service, and provide greater value at the enterprise edge.
In collaboration with Nvidia, Dell will co-create telecom AI solutions using PowerEdge servers and Nvidia GPUs, including Amdocs amAIz for customer care, Iternal for automating call center operations, Kinetica SQL-GPT for network troubleshooting, and Synthefy for predictive network maintenance. Additionally, the new PowerEdge XR8000 server, equipped with Nvidia L4 Tensor Core GPUs, is designed for edge use cases, simplifying deployment for CSPs.
These AI solutions are available now. Partnering with Lintasarta in Indonesia and SK Telecom, Dell aims to enhance telecom operations and customer experiences through AI-driven solutions.
"Capitalising on the multiple opportunities presented by AI has become the most compelling driver of network cloud transformation," said Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies, on September 25.
"Dell AI for Telecom brings together Dell's AI expertise and infrastructure with partners across the ecosystem to help network operators implement AI solutions in and on the network that reduce OPEX, improve performance, and create new edge revenue opportunities."
4. Microsoft Commits 14.7 Billion Reais in Brazil to Enhance AI and Cloud Infrastructure
Microsoft on September 26 unveiled its largest single investment in Brazil, committing 14.7 billion BRL over the next three years to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure. This initiative aims to develop the AI ecosystem in Brazil and train 5 million people through its new ConectAI program, fostering long-term economic competitiveness.
The investment will expand data center operations in Sao Paulo, aligning with the Brazilian government's goals for public sector efficiency and sustainability.
"We are committed to supporting Brazil’s AI transformation and ensuring it benefits everyone," said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. "Our new investments in cloud and AI infrastructure and training in Brazil will help ensure broad access to both the technology and skills needed for Brazil’s people and economy to thrive in this AI era."
5. KT Corporation and Microsoft Partner to Accelerate AI Infrastructure in Korea
KT Corporation and Microsoft on Sunday announced a five-year, multibillion-dollar partnership aimed at driving AI transformation for over 650,000 businesses and 17 million consumers across Korea. This collaboration will focus on developing Korea-customised AI models, including the integration of OpenAI's GPT-4o via the Azure OpenAI Service, to enable innovative AI applications across various industry verticals.
As part of this initiative, the two companies will work on a Korean sovereign cloud solution designed to foster cloud and AI innovation, particularly for the public sector and regulated industries. Additionally, KT plans to establish a new AX-specialised service company dedicated to delivering Microsoft-powered AI transformation services to enterprise customers.
The two companies also stated that this partnership aims to advance the AI ecosystem through joint research and development efforts, including the establishment of an AX co-innovation center and collaboration with Microsoft Research.
“Our strategic partnership brings together KT's industry expertise with the power of our entire tech stack, from Azure AI to Microsoft 365 Copilot,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. "Together, we will help accelerate the AI transformation of Korean organisations across the private and public sectors and build new AI-powered experiences for millions of consumers."
“The partnership with Microsoft presents a pivotal opportunity, not only for technological collaboration but also for expanding Korea's AI foundation and driving transformative innovation across industries and daily life," said KT CEO Young-Shub Kim. "Leveraging this strategic partnership, we aim to rapidly evolve into an AICT company with unparalleled competitiveness in domestic and global markets."
