By Vishwesh Iyer
SINGAPORE, November 13, 2024 – Stratus Technologies, a pioneer in simple, protected, and autonomous computing platforms, has undergone a significant rebranding, transitioning to Penguin Solutions under the stewardship of its former parent company, SGH (SMART Global Holdings). This rebranding marks a new era for the company, signalling a focus on advanced computing infrastructure, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and Edge computing. The Penguin Solutions brand aims to meet the rising global demand for robust end-to-end solutions that enable AI-driven decision-making and secure, mission-critical applications across industries.
In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Penguin Solutions is sharpening its focus on empowering enterprise customers to harness the power of AI at the edge, an area increasingly seen as a cornerstone for business growth and technological innovation. “We’re very committed to AI on the edge,” said Mr Sean Smiley, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Services at Stratus Technologies, Inc in a conversation earlier this week. “Our research shows that Edge AI is becoming a priority investment for companies. Bringing trained AI models down to the edge reduces latency, boosts data privacy, and cuts costs by minimising the need for constant communication with cloud or large data centres.”
Strategic Shift to Meet Growing Demand
The Penguin Solutions brand aims to unify the company’s offerings and streamline its approach to high-performance computing (HPC), AI, and Edge platforms. Penguin Solutions, which is also listed on Nasdaq under the ticker PENG, has built a 25-year legacy in delivering HPC solutions that address complex industry challenges. The company is now expanding this expertise to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation infrastructure that supports not only traditional enterprise requirements but also the unique demands of AI-driven systems.
As businesses increasingly deploy AI to gain a competitive advantage, the complexities of integrating AI into their operations are becoming more apparent. “Most customers don’t yet have specific use cases for Edge AI, though they recognise its potential,” remarked Mr Smiley. “We’re taking steps to bridge this gap by empowering our distributors in each country to build a strong ecosystem of system integrators, resellers, and other partners who can guide clients through the adoption of AI and edge technologies.”
Innovations in Edge AI
Central to Penguin Solutions’ Edge AI strategy is its launch of the ZTC Endurance platform, the industry’s first fault-tolerant Edge AI platform. Unlike traditional GPU-based AI platforms, ZTC Endurance uses Intel’s Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX) chips—a CPU that provides GPU-like performance for AI inference. The platform is designed to bring trained AI models down to the edge, enabling real-time inference with minimal latency and improved data security.
From a performance standpoint, the ZTC Endurance platform is able to process between 700 and 5,000 images per second in benchmark tests, depending on the image quality, making it suitable for a range of enterprise applications. “Our tests on the Intel AMX chip have shown that CPU-based inference for AI at the edge is powerful, cost-effective, and energy-efficient,” Mr Smiley explained. “This approach not only ensures fault tolerance but also reduces reliance on high-cost GPUs, which have higher energy demands and shorter lifespans.”
This edge-focused approach aligns with broader industry trends as companies strive to process data closer to where it is generated, reducing the need for constant data transfer to and from centralised data centres. Penguin Solutions’ approach aims to lower operational costs while enabling rapid and reliable insights at the edge, a key advantage in sectors where speed and data protection are paramount.
Strengthening the Ecosystem in APAC
Penguin Solutions is also deepening its commitment to building a robust channel network across APAC. By empowering core distributors in each country, the company aims to support local partners in delivering superior customer service while driving market growth in their respective regions. This approach includes equipping system integrators and resellers with the necessary tools to expand the reach of AI-driven edge solutions.
Mr Lin Hoe Foong, Vice President and Managing Director for APJ at Stratus Technologies said, “Building a cohesive ecosystem of partners is critical to supporting enterprises in their AI and edge computing journeys. By aligning with our channel partners, we can deliver better value and scalability to our customers, ultimately helping them optimise their AI and infrastructure investments.”
Penguin Solutions’ rebranding is more than a change in name; it’s a step toward solidifying its position as a comprehensive solutions provider. With an integrated offering that spans from core to cloud to edge, the company is positioned to tackle the industry’s most pressing infrastructure challenges, from AI model deployment to ensuring high availability and data security.
The transformation of SGH into Penguin Solutions reflects an agile, innovative vision for the future, poised to address the intricacies of AI, HPC, and edge solutions. The complete brand transition will be reflected by February 2025.
“Uniting under the Penguin Solutions brand allows us to highlight our evolution as an enterprise solutions provider focused on AI and complex infrastructure,” Mr Smiley noted. “This new identity underscores our commitment to helping customers navigate the complexities of today’s technological landscape with solutions that deliver innovation, reliability, and long-term value.”
With more than 75,000 GPUs deployed and managed globally, and a growing presence in APAC, Penguin Solutions is set to support the region’s enterprises in integrating advanced Edge AI and HPC solutions as they scale. As AI adoption rises, Penguin Solutions aims to remain at the forefront, helping businesses achieve the efficiencies and insights needed to thrive in a data-driven world.