SK Telecom and Lambda Forge AI Data Center Partnership in Seoul
In an exciting development for the AI landscape in South Korea, SK Telecom is collaborating with Lambda to open a state-of-the-art AI data center in Seoul. This initiative aims to establish a massive Nvidia GPU cluster, enhancing the nation’s AI capabilities and infrastructure, and positioning SK Telecom as a key player in the global AI cloud market.
Overview of the Partnership
As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly evolve, South Korea is stepping up its game with an ambitious new project. SK Telecom, the nation’s largest wireless carrier, is teaming up with Lambda, a prominent US-based provider of graphics processing units (GPUs) as a service, to launch a cutting-edge AI data center in Seoul this December. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in South Korea’s quest to bolster its AI capabilities and infrastructure.
The collaboration was formalized through a partnership deal aimed at developing a joint AI cloud business. At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of a large-scale Nvidia GPU cluster, which will serve as the backbone of their AI cloud operations. The decision to build this data center comes amid a growing demand for AI technology and services, not just in South Korea, but globally.
About Lambda and Its Role
Lambda has earned a reputation for delivering AI cloud services powered by the latest Nvidia GPUs, with a client roster that includes major tech players like Intel and Microsoft. The CEO of Lambda, Stephen Balaban, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Given the rapid pace of innovation in AI happening in South Korea, we’re excited to partner with SK Telecom and support their effort to grow and develop their AI cloud expertise in the region.” This sentiment underscores the importance of collaboration in an industry that is characterized by swift advancements and fierce competition.
Location and Deployment
The AI data center will be located within the Gasan data center, operated by SK Broadband, the internet service arm of SK Group, in western Seoul. By the end of the year, the deployment of Nvidia GPU clusters will be underway, utilizing Lambda’s cloud computing platform. This setup is expected to revolutionize the AI capabilities available to businesses and researchers in South Korea.
Future Plans and Vision
In a long-term vision, SK Telecom plans to expand its GPU resources significantly, aiming to increase the number of GPUs to thousands within the next three years. This ambitious scale-up is driven by the rapid growth of the domestic AI market and the increasing demand for GPU resources, essential for AI model training and deployment.
Kim Kyeong-deog, vice president and head of the enterprise business division at SK Telecom, emphasized the broader implications of this initiative, stating, “We will build Korea’s largest GPU farm to enhance national AI competitiveness and position ourselves as a gateway to the global market.” This commitment not only aims to strengthen South Korea’s AI infrastructure but also positions the country as a formidable player on the international stage.
Technical Advancements
Moreover, SK Broadband has implemented advanced power density measures, achieving 44 kilowatts per rack, the highest in Korea, to ensure the stable operation of GPU servers. This technical edge is crucial for handling the substantial computational needs of AI applications.
The strategic partnership between SK Telecom and Lambda marks a pivotal moment for South Korea’s AI landscape. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, this initiative promises to elevate the nation’s AI capabilities and set the stage for future innovations in the field.
