Microsoft invests billions in AI data centers
Microsoft plans to spend a total of 2.5 billion pounds (2.89 billion euros) on expanding its data centers for artificial intelligence in the UK over the next three years. With its largest single investment in the UK, the US company is more than doubling the size of its data centers, said Microsoft country manager Clare Barclay on Thursday.
By 2026, more than 20,000 advanced graphics processors are to be deployed in the UK, which will be used for machine learning and the development of AI models.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke of a turning point for the future of AI infrastructure and development. At a recent international conference on the regulation of AI, the Conservative politician attempted to position his country as a pioneer in the field. Microsoft emphasized that the investment would help train more than one million people for the AI economy and support AI safety and research efforts together with the government and universities.
Microsoft had recently been in trouble in the UK: the competition regulator CMA had initially blocked the billion-euro takeover of video games giant Activision Blizzard. However, when the US giant then made concessions, the British competition authorities approved the deal after all.
The investment in AI data centers by Microsoft will require advanced software and hardware, specifically utilizing thousands of advanced graphics processors on computers. This collaboration with the UK government and universities aims to enhance AI education, training more than a million individuals for the AI economy.
Source: www.dpa.com
