Microsoft has announced the Azure Boost DPU, a custom data processing chip aimed at optimizing data-centric tasks within its Azure infrastructure. This chip consolidates networking, storage, and processing functions to offload burdens from traditional CPUs.
The Azure Boost DPU promises four times the performance and three times lower power consumption compared to conventional systems. It is designed to meet the increasing demands of artificial intelligence and large-scale cloud operations.
Set to be integrated into Microsoft's data centers in 2025, the Azure Boost DPU will work alongside the newly introduced Azure Integrated Hardware Security Module (HSM), enhancing both performance and cryptographic security.
This move positions Microsoft in competition with established players like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel in the DPU market. The development follows Microsoft's acquisition of Fungible, which provided expertise in data-centric silicon.
As data centers face rising energy costs due to AI workloads, the Azure Boost DPU aims to reduce energy consumption significantly. Additionally, Microsoft is implementing liquid cooling technology to improve thermal efficiency.
With the introduction of proprietary silicon, Microsoft joins other tech giants like Amazon and Google, who are also creating custom chips to enhance their AI operations.