VAST Data, a technology company specializing in all-flash enterprise data storage, has unveiled its latest offering, the VAST Data Platform. Designed for the age of AI, the platform combines storage, database, and virtualized compute engine services to enable enterprises to move beyond traditional reporting and business intelligence. With the goal of supporting deep learning applications that address critical global challenges, the platform aims to democratize AI abilities and help organizations unlock the true value of their data.
The launch comes at a time when large language models (LLMs) have sparked widespread interest in AI. As these models continue to advance, the possibilities for AI-assisted discovery become even more compelling. By leveraging the power of machines to recreate the process of discovery, organizations can tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues in record time.
To facilitate these AI applications, businesses require a data platform that simplifies data management and processing. This is precisely what the VAST Data Platform offers. The platform consists of three key components: the exabyte-scale DataStore, the VAST DataBase for applying structure to information, and the VAST DataEngine, which delivers intelligence by transforming data into an understanding of its underlying characteristics. Together, these components provide a unified stack for seamless data capturing, synthesizing, and learning.
The DataStore serves as a scalable storage architecture for capturing and serving unstructured natural data, eliminating the need for storage tiering. The VAST DataBase layer adds structure to the data, enabling rapid querying at scale. It combines the functionalities of a database, data warehouse, and data lake into a single, comprehensive management system. Finally, the VAST DataEngine consolidates data centers and cloud regions into a global computational framework. It supports popular programming languages like SQL and Python, as well as an event notification system and reproducible model training for AI pipelines.
According to Merv Adrian, principal analyst at IT Market Strategy, the VAST Data Platform represents a significant departure from traditional data platforms, offering a disruptive solution that solves fundamental challenges related to data access and latency. With its ability to handle structured and unstructured data in real-time, the platform provides a strong foundation for AI-driven organizations to tackle complex problems.
Despite being a newcomer to the market, the VAST Data Platform has already attracted the attention of major enterprises such as Zoom, Allen Institute, and Pixar Animation Studios. These organizations have recognized the platform’s potential for leveraging large volumes of data as training data for AI applications, allowing them to unlock valuable insights and drive innovation.
While the VAST Data Platform is already available, some components, like the DataEngine, are still under development and will be included in the package in 2024.
The global spending on AI-centric systems continues to rise, with IDC’s worldwide AI spending guide projecting a value exceeding $308 billion by 2026. As businesses increasingly recognize the transformative power of AI, solutions like the VAST Data Platform will play a crucial role in enabling them to harness the full potential of their data.
In conclusion, VAST Data’s new unified data computing platform, the VAST Data Platform, is poised to revolutionize the AI landscape. By simplifying data management and processing, the platform empowers organizations to go beyond traditional reporting and business intelligence and pursue innovative deep learning applications. With major enterprises already embracing its capabilities, the platform is set to transform the way businesses leverage data for AI-driven insights and advancements.
