Universal data storage platform provider Vast Data Inc. said today it’s partnering with Lambda Inc. on a new hybrid cloud experience that’s focused on accelerating artificial intelligence training.

The two partners are working to build an accelerated computing platform based on Nvidia Corp.’s graphics processing units. It’s targeted at generative AI workloads and will sit across public and private clouds, the companies said.

Lambda offers an infrastructure platform that provides access to Nvidia graphics cards for customers looking to train artificial intelligence models and perform inference. The startup’s GPU catalog includes, among others, Nvidia’s flagship H100 data center chip. The H100 features 80 billion transistors that allow it to run large language models up to 30 times faster than its predecessor.

The startup, which has raised about $112 million in funding from investors, has selected Vast’s Data Platform to boost its on-demand GPU cloud platform, ensuring the most optimal deployments of GPUs for large language model training.

In a press release, Lambda talks about providing a dedicated hybrid cloud experience that’s geared specifically toward AI workloads, with advantages around flexibility, scalability and performance.

Vast Data will play a key role in data management, analytics and security. Its platform includes the Vast DataSpace to deliver efficient cloud data operations, analytics and multilayered security based on zero-trust principles. These capabilities are all necessary for businesses that handle massive datasets.

Mitesh Agrawal, Lambda’s head of cloud and chief operating officer, said his company is committed to partnering with the most innovative AI infrastructure providers, as it aims to build the most efficient GPU-based deep learning platform. “The Vast Data Platform enables Lambda customers with private cloud deployments to burst swiftly into Lambda’s public cloud as workloads demand,” he explained. “Going forward, we plan to integrate all of the features of Vast’s Data Platform to help our customers get the most value from their GPU cloud investments and from their data.”

Vast Data Chief Executive Renen Hallak said his company and Lambda have a shared vision to build the most innovative, performant and scalable infrastructure for AI and deep learning. He said the collaboration will enable faster LLM training and more efficient data management for their joint customers.

Writing in Forbes, Steve McDowell, principal analyst and founding partner at NAND Research Inc., said Lambda needs to provide the most optimal infrastructure for AI workloads to be competitive with the top public cloud platforms.

“The new partnership between Lambda and Vast Data is significant,” McDowell said. “While public cloud providers build infrastructure to support a broad range of applications, specialty AI hyperscalers don’t have that luxury. It speaks volumes that Lambda is trusting Vast Data to enable that competitive advantage.”

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