In an unprecedented move that signals a pivotal shift in European technological infrastructure, OpenNebula Systems has unveiled Fact8ra, the first multi-provider AI-as-a-Service platform in Europe. This platform represents a significant advancement in creating a federated and sovereign AI ecosystem across the continent, leveraging resources from eight EU member states including France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. As businesses and governments increasingly recognize the potential of artificial intelligence, Fact8ra aims to provide a robust framework for harnessing AI technologies within an open-source environment.
The Role of Fact8ra
Fact8ra is designed to support the deployment of private instances of Large Language Models (LLMs), including notable options like Mistral and EuroLLM. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with external data catalogs such as Hugging Face, opening additional avenues for accessing diverse AI models and datasets. This integration is vital, as it caters to the growing demand for customizable AI solutions that adhere to regional regulatory standards and can be tailored to specific business needs.
The platform takes full advantage of the enhanced support for NVIDIA GPUs introduced in OpenNebula 7.0, which facilitates the aggregation of GPU resources from various European cloud and 5G edge providers. These include reputable companies such as Arsys, CloudFerro, and OVHcloud. This multi-provider approach ensures that users have access to a wide range of computing capabilities, enhancing flexibility and scalability.
Innovative Federation Model
Fact8ra introduces an innovative federation model that combines the capabilities of High-Performance Computing (HPC) centers and EU-funded AI factories. This model promotes workload portability and interoperability across various supercomputing facilities, including collaborations with the Gdańsk University of Technology and the Research Institutes of Sweden. By fostering such collaborations, Fact8ra supports the essence of the EU’s AI Continent Action Plan, designed to position Europe as a global leader in AI development.
The overarching objective of Fact8ra is to establish a sovereign cloud stack for AI applications that not only utilizes OpenNebula but also features other European open-source technologies such as openSUSE and MariaDB. By enabling a cloud-native, multi-tenant environment, Fact8ra provides a significant advantage for individual AI factories aimed at delivering accessible public digital infrastructures to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Community and Regulatory Response
The reaction to Fact8ra’s launch has been overwhelmingly positive, with many stakeholders in the tech and regulatory communities recognizing the importance of this initiative. Thibaut Kleiner, Director of Future Networks at DG CONNECT, emphasized the initiative’s critical role in achieving the objectives of the AI Continent Action Plan, highlighting its potential to support SMEs in leveraging AI infrastructures along the cloud-edge continuum. He stated, “The work of the IPCEI-CIS, as part of the broader 8ra ecosystem, plays a key role in achieving the technological and sovereignty objectives of the AI Continent Action Plan.” This emphasis on sovereignty is particularly relevant as Europe seeks to reduce its dependency on non-European technology providers.
Moreover, the European Commission announced the approval of the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS) in December 2023, with significant backing of €1.2 billion in state aid alongside €1.4 billion in private investments. This project aims to establish a unified, interoperable online data processing ecosystem across Europe, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins the Fact8ra initiative. As part of the broader 8ra initiative, Fact8ra exemplifies how public and private sectors can work together to drive technological innovation.
A Path Toward Sustainable AI Development
As Europe steps into the next era of AI development, Fact8ra stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation. By addressing the pressing need for a sovereign and self-sufficient AI infrastructure, it not only enhances the region’s technological capabilities but also supports the strategic goals outlined in the EU’s digital strategy. With continued investment and support from a diverse array of stakeholders, Fact8ra could play a transformative role in shaping the future landscape of AI in Europe.
In essence, the establishment of Fact8ra highlights a crucial pivot towards creating a secure, adaptable, and sovereign AI framework that prioritizes European interests while fostering an environment of innovation and growth.