Powering LLMs: Four Considerations When Building A Data Infrastructure
Jan 09, 2025 - forbes.com
The article discusses the essential components of building a data infrastructure for large language models (LLMs). It emphasizes the importance of data lake architectures, which provide a scalable and flexible repository for both structured and unstructured data. Key considerations include optimizing for latency and scale, utilizing technologies like object storage and cloud platforms, and employing techniques such as data partitioning and in-memory caching. The article also highlights the need for a balance between streaming and batch processing to handle real-time data and periodic large-scale data processing, using tools like Apache Kafka and Apache Spark.
Additionally, the article explores advanced techniques like retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and prompt tuning to enhance LLM outputs and performance. It advises focusing on delivering a minimum viable product (MVP) quickly and iterating based on user feedback rather than striving for perfection from the start. By adopting a data lake-first approach and leveraging appropriate technologies, organizations can build scalable and efficient LLM applications capable of meeting future challenges.
Key takeaways:
Prioritize data lake architectures to ensure flexibility and scalability for LLMs' massive data requirements.
Balance streaming and batch processing to handle real-time insights and periodic data processing for LLM training.
Explore advanced techniques like retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and prompt tuning to enhance LLM outputs and performance.
Focus on delivering a minimum viable product (MVP) quickly and optimize based on real-world feedback.
