The DPU market, which includes Nvidia's BlueField line and AMD's Pensando DPUs, could be worth $5.5 billion by 2031, according to Allied Analytics. DPUs are intended to reduce the load on CPUs and other chips for core computing tasks, including AI workloads. Microsoft's Azure Integrated HSM is a response to proprietary solutions from cloud rivals, such as AWS' Nitro and Google's Titan. However, Microsoft did not provide details about vulnerability testing on the Azure Integrated HSM.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft has unveiled new custom chips for its Azure cloud, including the Azure Boost DPU, its first data processing unit designed for efficient, low-power data-centric workloads.
- The company also revealed the Azure Integrated Hardware Security Module (HSM), a new in-house cloud security chip that will be installed in every new server in Microsoft’s datacenters starting next year.
- The Azure Boost DPU likely originated from Fungible, a DPU fabricator that Microsoft acquired in December. The DPU market, which includes Nvidia and AMD, could be worth $5.5 billion by 2031.
- Despite the potential security improvements from custom silicon, Microsoft did not provide details about vulnerability testing on the Azure Integrated HSM. This comes as the company claims security is now its top priority following high-profile hacks and damning government reports.