AMD's 4th gen server CPUs pack up to 96 cores

AMD released the 4th Gen EPYC processors, code-named Genoa, boasting up to 96 cores in a single processor and aimed at mission-critical workloads across cloud, enterprise and high performance computing.

The 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors are built on the “Zen 4” core, the highest performance core ever from AMD, offering up to 2.8X more performance, up to 54 percent less power consumption than the previous generation. The design in implemented at the 5nm node, and offers support for PCIe 5.0, CXL memory expansion, and 12 channels of DDR5.

“Choosing the right data center processor is more important than ever, and 4th Gen EPYC processors deliver leadership in every dimension,” said Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD. “The data center represents the largest growth opportunity and most strategic priority for AMD, and we are committed to making AMD the partner of choice by offering the industry’s broadest portfolio of high-performance and adaptive computing engines. We have built the best data center CPU roadmap in the industry, and with 4th Gen EPYC we deliver another major step forward in performance and efficiency to make the best server processor roadmap even better. With a significantly expanded set of solutions on-track to launch from our ecosystem of partners, customers selecting 4th Gen EPYC to power their data centers can improve performance, consolidate their infrastructure, and lower energy costs.”

Highlights

• Dell Technologies announced the next generation of Dell PowerEdge servers with 4th Generation AMD EPYC processors. 
• Google Cloud discussed incorporating 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors into Google Cloud Compute Engine and highlighted how AMD EPYC processors in its data centers are helping Google with their efficiency goals. 
• HPE announced new HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers that support 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors that are also available through a pay-as-you-go consumption model with HPE GreenLake. HPE also announced support for 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors across its supercomputing portfolio with the new HPE Cray EX2500 and HPE Cray XD2000 supercomputers.
• Lenovo introduced 21 new ThinkSystem servers and ThinkAgile hyperconverged (HCI) solutions, powered by 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors, including ThinkAgile VX and ThinkAgile HX to enable fast hybrid multi-cloud deployment and simplify infrastructure management.
• Microsoft announced a Preview of new Virtual Machines (VMs) for HPC. HBv4-series VMs and the all new HX-series VMs are both powered by 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors. Each will feature AMD 3D V-Cache Technology when they reach General Availability in 2023. Microsoft also announced additional VMs and containers using 4th Gen AMD EPYC are forthcoming.
• The latest Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) E5 compute instances are powered by 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors to be used by customers such as Oracle Red Bull Racing for development of their next generation of powertrain projects. Oracle will also provide enhanced security with OCI Confidential Computing, based on AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV). 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors additionally power MySQL HeatWave, Oracle Autonomous Database and Exadata Database Service on OCI.
• Supermicro announced significant additions to its broad line of servers supporting the new 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors in the A+ series
• VMware announced vSphere 8 support and optimization for 4th Gen EPYC processor powered systems is available now.

https://www.amd.com/en/press-releases/2022-11-10-offering-unmatched-performance-leadership-energy-efficiency-and-next

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GSMA: European mobile operators lead in renewable energy

Global mobile operators are making strong progress in maximising the use of renewable energy in their networks, according to new figures from GSMA.

However, a survey indicates that access to an additional 64 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity – roughly equivalent to Austria’s annual energy usage – will be required by operators globally by 2030, as they seek to decarbonise their energy supplies. These requirements were detailed in the recent GSMA Access to Renewable Energy Policy Paper.

The new analysis released by the GSMA today, using data from 33 operators, covering 86 countries and approximately 50% of global mobile connections, shows tangible results, with renewable electricity use increasing across the mobile sector:

1. European networks are leading globally, purchasing on average 71% renewable energy.
2. Mobile networks in 41 of the 86 countries surveyed use more than 75% renewable energy
3. Mobile networks in 29 of the 86 countries use less than 25% renewable energy
4. 32% of renewable used by operators is procured through power purchase agreements with energy generators
5. 63% is achieved via renewable energy certificates from electricity markets
6. 4% results from self-generation of renewable electricity

The figures show that operators in Europe and North America have been able to both access and scale up the amount of renewable electricity used to power their networks in recent years. In contrast, accessing renewable electricity is still a challenge in many countries, shown by lower market-based regional figures across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, said: “Operators are making meaningful progress in the use of renewables to power communications networks. However, given the scale of demand, the GSMA calls for greater collaboration between the private and public sector to expand the renewable energy infrastructure needed to hit our net zero ambitions. This will require reducing regulatory barriers, supporting market-based mechanisms to access renewable electricity and incentivising investment in new renewable power generation.”

https://www.gsma.com/betterfuture/resources/mobile-industry-position-paper-access-to-renewable-energy

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Cisco to open silicon design center in Barcelona

Cisco  announced plans to launch a center for the design of next generation semiconductor devices in Spain.  The announcement was made by Chuck Robbins, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco, in a meeting with H.E. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain.

Specifically, Cisco plans to set up an engineering design center to design and prototype next generation semiconductor devices, under the framework of the Spanish strategic project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation of Microelectronics and Semiconductors (PERTE Microchip). The center will be co-located with the Cisco Innovation Center in Barcelona.

“Spain is on the way to become a key player in achieving the EU objective of reaching 20% of the world chip market by 2030. We have approved the program PERTE Microchip and have the roadmap, reforms and incentives in place to attract talent and strengthen the current Spanish ecosystem,” commented Pedro Sánchez. "The dedication of companies like Cisco will help strengthen our innovation ecosystem and be at the forefront of technological, industrial and social progress."

“Technology has the ability to help countries further their social and economic development and move even closer to an inclusive future for all. Today’s announcement reinforces Cisco’s commitment to support the digital ecosystem in Spain and across Europe,” Chuck Robbins said. “Semiconductors are essential to so much innovation, and our advances in this field help overcome the performance, economic, and power consumption limitations of current infrastructure. Cisco is thrilled to take an active role in addressing semiconductor supplies with the development of this design center, and we are also excited to be able to leverage talent across the globe and truly help build the internet of the future.”

https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2022/m11/cisco-to-launch-new-design-center-in-spain-for-next-generation-semiconductor-devices.html

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ITEN introduces a tiny 100µA.h micro-battery

ITEN introduced a micro-battery of only 100µA.h. that can be recharged via an indoor photovoltaic cell. 

Potential applications include sensors powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-chip implementations. The company says such a solution powered by its micro-battey could operate 24/7 sending data every 10 seconds during the day and every 4 to 5 minutes during the night (this frequency could be increased if using a 250µA.h micro-battery instead). By comparison, a coin cell of at least 100mA.h would be required to get the same operating conditions but with a limited lifetime.

ITEN, which is based in Lyon, France, recently closed a EUR 80 million financing round.

https://www.iten.com

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Intelsat Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 satellites successfully launched

 On Saturday, November 12th, SpaceX successfully launched Intelsat's Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 geosynchronous communications satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Intelsat's Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, which were manufactured by Maxar, will ensure service continuity to Intelsat’s North American media customers.

Galaxy 31 will replace Galaxy 23 at 121 degrees west and will begin service in early 2023. The satellite will provide distribution services to cable headends throughout the United States.

Galaxy 32 will replace the C-band payload of Galaxy 17 at 91 degrees west in early 2023. This satellite will provide service continuity for Intelsat’s media customers with high-performance distribution to viewers in North America.

https://www.intelsat.com

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Zain's Q3 revenue rises 15% yoy, EBITDA margin at 39%

In Q3 2022, Zain Group generated consolidated revenue of KD 441 million (USD 1.4 billion), up an impressive 15% Y-o-Y. EBITDA for the quarter reached KD 171 million (USD 555 million), an increase of 2% Y-o-Y, reflecting a 39% EBITDA margin. Net income for the three months amounted to KD 54 million (USD 176 million), a 10% increase Y-o-Y. Earnings per share for Q3’22 amounted to 13 fils (USD 0.04).

The company said its significant increase in 9M consolidated net income is mainly due to the impressive performance of operations, particularly Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. The subsiding of the pandemic and increased economic activity across all markets combined with appealing consumer digital service offerings centered around streaming and gaming, had a positive effect on the results. Furthermore, lucrative ZainTech and B2B monetization initiatives amplified investments made in 4G, 5G and FTTH expansion and upgrades, also drove revenue growth.

Key Operational Notes for 9M 2022

• An interim cash dividend of 10 fils, totaling USD140 million was distributed in September 2022
• The 9M 2022 period was highlighted by the 109% Y-o-Y increase in net income at Zain KSA, a 140% net income increase at Zain Sudan and a 5% net income growth at Zain Kuwait
• Data revenue grew 3% to reach USD 1.66 billion representing 40% of consolidated revenue
• The first nine months saw Zain Group invest USD 316 million in CAPEX reflecting 8% of revenue, mainly in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH); spectrum fees; 4G upgrades and 5G rollouts
• Zain Jordan agreement with government includes extension of the current spectrum licenses for 10 years and a 25-year 5G license
• Zain KSA expects to finalize the sale of its passive Tower infrastructure to the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund led consortium for USD 807 million in Q4, 2022 
• Zain Bahrain receives approval from the Central Bank for a Fintech license
• Combined, Tamam in Saudi Arabia, Zain Cash in Iraq and Jordan, and M-Gurush in South Sudan increase their customer base by 34% with annual revenue growth of over 231%
• Digital services groupwide witness revenue growth of 47% Y-o-Y, inclusive of the Dizlee (API) platform, which continues its trajectory growth, offering 51 live services and resulting in over 175 million API transactions since launch in mid-2018
• Digital operator ‘Yaqoot’ in KSA saw revenue growth of 129% Y-o-Y
• The evolution of Zain Esports continues through the August 2022 launch of PLAYHERA MENA, a JV between Zain Group, Zain KSA and PLAYHERA. To date, Zain Esports has held 25 major tournaments, with 30,000 participants and acquired over 50 million social media impressions
• Zain joins the UN Global Compact initiative, a leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices
• Zain ranked best employer in Kuwait, among top-10 companies to work for in region by Forbes 
• ZainTech enters agreement to acquire BIOS Middle East, a regional cloud provider and receives two innovative awards from SAMENA Council-MEA Business Technology Achievement Awards. 

Chairman of Zain Group, Ahmed Al Tahous said, “These strong financial results underscore the Board and management’s focus on ensuring that investments in new growth opportunities, network upgrades and environmental, social and governance practices enhance shareholder value. We firmly believe that by providing meaningful connectivity that fosters equitable systemic change, we are empowering and improving the socio-economic well-being of the communities, businesses and government bodies we serve.”

Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi commented, “This outstanding 9M operational performance is testament to the successful execution of our ‘4Sight’ growth strategy that has firmly strengthened the company’s financial position to fund future opportunities. Our focus on driving efficiencies, synergies and digital transformation across our operations, in tandem with investing in new business verticals and network upgrades, all rooted in sustainability and inclusivity at the core of everything we do, is paying off.”

https://zain.com/en/press-release/9m2022 

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T-Mobile expands its 5G home service across MidWest

T-Mobile has expanded the footprint of its 5G Home Internet service across Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. With this expansion, more than 6 million homes throughout these states, and more than 40 million homes nationwide, are now eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet.

“Access to high-speed internet should be a given, yet millions of people across the country still have little to no choice when it comes to their home broadband. As reliance on internet access has skyrocketed in recent years, many ISPs have continued to underserve customers – year after year,” said Mike Katz, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile. “Today, T-Mobile is taking another step to close the Digital Divide and increase access, bringing our Home Internet service to millions more homes across the Midwest. We’re leveraging the power of 5G to help customers break free from Big Internet.” 

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is priced at $50 a month.

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-expands-5g-home-internet-to-millions-across-the-midwest

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