What are the advantages of GPU cloud for startups and small businesses ?

In just a few short years, GPU technology has made significant leaps and transformed the realms of visual creation, data science, and scientific research. From integrated GPUs on PCs, we have entered the era of ultra-fast GPU server fleets on the Cloud: a true revolution for businesses and industries. But what about the advantages of GPU cloud for small businesses and future unicorns?

Source : Photo de Israel Andrade sur Unsplash

The GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), which is literally translated as “graphical processing unit,” is more commonly known to the general public as a graphics processor. It is a computing unit traditionally dedicated to image processing and 2D, 3D, and video rendering. Working in conjunction with the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the GPU can sometimes be integrated into the same chip as the CPU, referred to as an integrated GPU. However, dedicated GPUs with their own processor can also be found, soldered onto graphics cards, in which case they are referred to as dedicated GPUs.

If central processors are directly equipped with a GPU, it means they have to share their memory, which limits the graphical computing power to relatively simple tasks. Examples include streaming video playback, basic image editing, office tasks, or less resource-intensive video games.

When the GPU is separated from the processor’s motherboard, it allows for a significant increase in computing power and faster access to images. Dedicated GPUs thus pave the way for highly efficient 3D rendering, the ability to create 360° visual effects, and video games with increasingly realistic graphics.

Functions and Uses of Dedicated GPUs in the Enterprise

The primary function of a GPU is to perform graphical rendering after processing the input information from the system. In parallel, it utilizes a buffer for data processing and storage. Distinguishing the GPU from the CPU isolates and unleashes the processing potential for images and data. This not only improves the visual experience but also reduces the overall strain on computer operation and achieves high-performance computations.

For professions such as architects, graphic designers, CAD engineers, videographers, and VFX artists, this significant technological advancement offers endless creative possibilities and prospects. To further leverage the computing power, both large and small companies now rely on GPU servers in the Cloud to train machine learning and deep learning algorithms.

The GPU technology is no longer limited to visual and graphic design professions. It now extends its power to a wide range of industries, including both large and small enterprises, as well as innovative startups harnessing the potential of AI.

A GPU server consists of one, but more commonly multiple GPU instances. Its purpose is to perform fast and reliable complex calculations for demanding graphical needs, as well as to develop new technologies or advance scientific research. You may be wondering why not simply use a regular server if high computational performance is desired. That’s because GPU servers are much more suitable. It’s essentially the same principle mentioned a few lines above. GPU technology detached from CPUs will be much faster on a dedicated server and capable of delivering much higher visual rendering quality. Speed and quality are highly sought-after advantages for any business dealing with a large volume of data and heavy IT and application requirements.

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Hosted on the cloud, therefore centralized on an internet network, these fleets of servers and their data have the same functionalities as on a physical server but with significant advantages such as processing power and high storage capacity.

Companies no longer necessarily need to own and manage their physical hardware. They can rent cloud services from providers or third-party vendors who provision and configure the infrastructure and resources for them. And for certain organizations constrained by small physical spaces, limited budgets, but above all, high productivity requirements, cloud computing proves to be a significant asset.

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Flexibility, scalability, scalability

Hosting your GPU servers on the cloud provides small businesses with great flexibility. You can choose to significantly and quickly increase your resources without the need to invest in physical hardware. Depending on your needs, with just a few clicks, you can expand your resources and have access to more storage space. And if, on the other hand, the company experiences a decrease in activity or a quieter period, you can also scale back and reduce your resources.

Cost control and flexible pricing

Acquiring new licenses and hardware, especially during a sudden business growth, can be quite costly. The cloud eliminates the need for such expenses, and as mentioned in the previous point, it promotes on-demand consumption. Therefore, you only pay for what you consume. Some providers also offer monthly packages tailored to the specific needs and budget of the businesses.

Storage space, availability, and bandwidth

Pooling your resources, including GPU instances, in the cloud allows you to benefit from much larger storage spaces (at a lower cost) than if you were relying on on-premises hardware. Additionally, remote servers offer high-quality bandwidth and optimal data loading and availability times.

Speaking of data availability, hosting on the cloud provides access to data at any time and from a geographically diverse range. If your team works remotely or if your offices are in different time zones, this is a significant advantage not to be overlooked.

Infinite computing power and improved productivity

Another advantage of cloud computing in the era of everything-must-go-faster is the improvement of productivity and profitability. Training artificial intelligence models and performing complex calculations on physical hardware used to take a considerable amount of time, slowing down production and costing a fortune. With the introduction of GPUs in the market, things have significantly improved, and neural training could be up to 250 times faster*. Hosting GPUs on the Cloud has further accelerated these performances, freeing up time to focus on business and productivity.”

Note: *The accuracy of the translation may vary depending on the context and intended meaning of “neuronal training could be up to 250 times faster.

*Source : Indigo

Maintained control over your resources while benefiting from deployment and maintenance support

Opting for dedicated server rentals on the Cloud allows you to maintain full control over your resources and have servers exclusively for your employees. This means you won’t be sharing resources like in shared server hosting. However, service providers will typically handle the deployment, management, and maintenance of the server fleets on the cloud. This saves significant time and provides peace of mind for businesses.

Enhanced security

Cybercrime has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, and one particular threat, DDoS attacks, gives headaches to IT directors. A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack floods your system with traffic or overwhelms it with information, causing your servers and networks to become unresponsive, rendering them inaccessible. It’s a grim prospect that cloud computing can counteract with a modern and reliable operating system.

Protection and backup of data in the event of disasters

Today, a large number of cloud providers offer highly efficient backup and disaster recovery plans in the event of on-site damages (such as floods, fires, etc.) or ransomware attacks that block access to locally stored data. Storing your valuable data in the cloud helps prevent costly and damaging losses. It seems that prevention is better than cure…