What is AI infrastructure?
With artificial intelligence (AI) growing in use with our daily lives, it’s crucial to have a structure that allows effective and efficient workflows. That’s where artificial intelligence infrastructure (AI infrastructure) comes in.
A well-designed infrastructure helps data scientists and developers access data, deploy machine learning algorithms, and manage the hardware’s computing resources.
AI infrastructure combines artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technology to develop and deploy reliable and scalable data solutions. It is the technology that enables machine learning, allowing machines to think like humans.
Machine learning is the technique of training a computer to find patterns, make predictions, and learn from experience without being explicitly programmed. It can be applied to generative AI, and is made possible through deep learning, a machine learning technique for analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data.
AI infrastructure tech stack
A tech stack, short for technology stack, is a set of technologies, frameworks, and tools used to build and deploy software applications. As a visual, these technologies “stack” on top of each other to build an application. An AI infrastructure tech stack can enable faster development and deployment of applications through three essential layers.
The applications layer gives humans the opportunity to collaborate with machines when working with tools like end-to-end apps or end-user-facing apps. End-user-facing applications are usually built using open-source AI frameworks to create models that are customizable and can be tailored to meet specific business needs.
The model layer helps AI products function. This layer requires a hosting solution for deployment. There are three models to this layer that provide a foundation.
- General AI: Mimics the human brain's ability to think and make decisions. Think of AI apps like ChatGPT and DALL-E from OpenAI.
- Specific AI: Uses specific data to generate the exact results. Think of tasks like generating ad copy and song lyrics.
- Hyperlocal AI: the artificial intelligence that can achieve the highest levels of accuracy and relevance, designed to be specialists in their field. Think of writing scientific articles or creating interior design mockups
The infrastructure layer includes the hardware and software needed to build and train models. Components like specialized processors like GPUs (hardware) and optimization and deployment tools (software) fall under this layer. Cloud computing services are also a part of the infrastructure layer.
AI infrastructure components
Now that we have covered the three layers involved in an AI infrastructure, let’s explore a few components that are required to build, deploy, and maintain AI models.
Data storage
Data storage is the collection and retention of digital information—the bits and bytes behind applications, network protocols, documents, media, address books, user preferences, and more. Data storage is important for storing, organizing, and retrieving AI information.
Data management
Data management is the process of gathering, storing, and using data, often facilitated by data management software. It allows you to know what data you have, where it is located, who owns it, who can see it, and how it is accessed. With the appropriate controls and implementation, data management workflows deliver the analytical insights needed to make better decisions.
Machine learning frameworks
Machine learning (ML) is a subcategory of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses algorithms to identify patterns and make predictions within a set of data, and the frameworks provide the tools and libraries needed.
Machine learning operations
Machine learning operations (MLOps) is a set of workflow practices that aims to streamline the process of producing, maintaining, and monitoring machine learning (ML) models. Inspired by DevOps and GitOps principles, MLOps seeks to establish a continuous and ever-evolving process for integrating ML models into software development processes.
Why does your AI infrastructure matter?
A solid AI infrastructure with established components contributes to innovation and efficiency. However, there are benefits, challenges, and applications to consider when designing an AI infrastructure.
Benefits
AI infrastructure has several benefits for your AI operations and organizations. One benefit is scalability, providing the opportunity to upscale and downscale operations on demand, especially with cloud-based AI/ML solutions. Another benefit is automation, allowing repetitive work to decrease errors and increase deliverable turn around times.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, AI infrastructure does have some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the amount and quality of data that needs to be processed. Because AI systems rely on large amounts of data to learn and make decisions, traditional data storage and processing methods may not be enough to handle the scale and complexity of AI workloads. Another big challenge is the requirement for real-time analysis and decision-making. This requirement means that the infrastructure has to process data quickly and efficiently, which needs to be taken into account to integrate the right solution to deal with large volumes of data.
Applications
There are applications that can address these challenges. With Red Hat® OpenShift® cloud services, you can build, deploy, and scale applications quickly. You can also enhance efficiency by improving consistency and security with proactive management and support. Red Hat Edge helps you deploy closer to where data is collected and gain actionable insights.
How Red Hat can help
Red Hat® AI is our portfolio of AI products built on solutions our customers already trust. This foundation helps our products remain reliable, flexible, and scalable.
Red Hat AI can help organizations:
- Adopt and innovate with AI quickly.
- Break down the complexities of delivering AI solutions.
- Deploy anywhere.
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Red Hat AI partners
Additionally, our AI partner ecosystem is growing. A variety of technology partners are working with Red Hat to certify operability with Red Hat AI. This way, you can keep your options open.
