\nAI model training requires significant computational and storage resources in close proximity to one another, making centralized cloud platforms the best environment for the intensive calculations needed in model training. While training will continue to be centralized, inference tasks will be increasingly performed in more distributed locations, specifically on devices themselves and on edge networks. For example, some inference tasks (e.g., an autonomous vehicle braking at the sight of a pedestrian) will run on the physical device for the lowest possible latency. However, to navigate device limitations such as compute, storage, and battery power, more and more tasks will need to run on edge networks. Edge networks \u2013 close geographical proximity to end users and devices \u2013 will provide an optimal balance of computational resources, speed, and data privacy. Some applications may require moving through three tiers of this computing continuum, with device, edge network, and cloud environments working together to bring the best experience to the end user.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTogether, Cloudflare and Microsoft will build the railroad tracks that AI traffic and tasks will move on, to tailor AI inference to the exact needs and demands of every organization,\u201d said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder, Cloudflare. \u201cWhether you\u2019re looking for speed or accuracy, dealing with energy or connectivity bandwidth challenges, or complying with regional localization requirements, Cloudflare and Microsoft can help you find the best location for your AI tasks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAs companies explore the best way to harness the power of generative AI in unique ways to meet their needs, the ability to run AI models anywhere is paramount,\u201d said Rashmi Misra, GM of Data, AI, & Emerging Technologies at Microsoft. \u201cWith Cloudflare\u2019s global network, combined with Microsoft\u2019s experience in training and deploying the world\u2019s most advanced AI workloads through our Azure cloud, businesses will gain access to a new level of flexibility and performance for AI inference.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTogether, Cloudflare and Microsoft will collaborate to make it easy for companies to run AI in the place most suitable for the workload. There are two pieces to making this happen:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \nMicrosoft\u2019s ONNX Runtime creates a standardized solution that allows the same models to be deployed regardless of environment, whether on device (Windows, mobile, or in-browser), on the distributed network edge (Cloudflare), or in Azure\u2019s centralized cloud platform.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \nCloudflare can provide the infrastructure for routing traffic across the different environments, depending on connectivity, latency, compliance, or other requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nBusinesses want to be able to move inference tasks across this continuum of device, edge network, and cloud, depending on the performance, cost, and regulatory requirements they face. Microsoft\u2019s AI capabilities and hyperscale cloud infrastructure combined with Cloudflare\u2019s hyper-distributed edge network will empower businesses to drive innovation and efficiency across the entire AI lifecycle. As a result, businesses will be able to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Find the best location for AI tasks:<\/b> Choose to deploy AI inference wherever processing makes the most sense to achieve the desired outcomes, maximizing the benefits of both centralized and distributed computing models. For example, a security camera system could utilize edge networks to run object detection. This overcomes the resource constraints of the device itself, without the latency of sending data to a central server for processing.\n<\/li>\n
- Navigate changing needs: <\/b>Run models in all three locations and adjust or fall back based on availability, use case, and latency requirements.\n<\/li>\n
- Deploy on Cloudflare in a few clicks<\/b>: Access easy deployable models and ML tooling capabilities on Workers AI through Microsoft Azure Machine Learning.\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nTo learn more, please check out the resources below:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \nRegister to reserve your access to Workers AI<\/a><\/li>\n
- \nBlog: Workers AI: The inference cloud running on GPUs on Cloudflare\u2019s network<\/a><\/li>\n
- \nBlog: The best place on Region: Earth for inference<\/a><\/li>\n
- \nLearn how to build full-stack AI applications with Cloudflare at AI.cloudflare.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
About Cloudflare<\/b><\/p>\n
\nCloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare\u2019s connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business.<\/p>\n
\nPowered by one of the world\u2019s largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations \u2013 from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe.<\/p>\n
\nLearn more about Cloudflare\u2019s connectivity cloud at cloudflare.com\/connectivity-cloud<\/a>. Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at https:\/\/radar.cloudflare.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nFollow us: Blog<\/a> | X<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n
Forward-Looking Statements<\/b><\/p>\n
\nThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cexplore,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201ctarget,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201ccontemplate,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cpredict,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d or \u201ccontinue,\u201d or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare\u2019s expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of Cloudflare\u2019s products and technology, the benefits to Cloudflare\u2019s customers from using Cloudflare\u2019s products and technology, Cloudflare\u2019s expected partnership with Microsoft and the potential resulting benefits to Cloudflare customers, the potential benefits to customers from the expected ability to integrate Cloudflare and Microsoft products and technology, the potential opportunity for Cloudflare to attract additional customers and to expand sales to existing customers through Cloudflare\u2019s expected partnership and product and technology integrations with Microsoft, Cloudflare\u2019s technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare\u2019s CEO and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare\u2019s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2023, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC.<\/p>\n
\nThe forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare\u2019s forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare\u2019s forward-looking statements.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a9 2023 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and\/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20230927637900\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\nCloudflare, Inc.
\n
Daniella Vallurupalli
\n
Vice President, Head of Global Communications
\n
press@cloudflare.com<\/a><\/p>\nKEYWORDS:<\/b> Ireland United States Singapore United Kingdom North America Asia Pacific Europe California<\/p>\n
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:<\/b> Data Management Apps\/Applications Technology Software Networks Artificial Intelligence Internet<\/p>\n
- \nBlog: Workers AI: The inference cloud running on GPUs on Cloudflare\u2019s network<\/a><\/li>\n
- Navigate changing needs: <\/b>Run models in all three locations and adjust or fall back based on availability, use case, and latency requirements.\n<\/li>\n
- Find the best location for AI tasks:<\/b> Choose to deploy AI inference wherever processing makes the most sense to achieve the desired outcomes, maximizing the benefits of both centralized and distributed computing models. For example, a security camera system could utilize edge networks to run object detection. This overcomes the resource constraints of the device itself, without the latency of sending data to a central server for processing.\n<\/li>\n
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