SoftBank Group acquires UK-based AI chip maker Graphcore

SoftBank Group has acquired Graphcore, a UK-based start-up developing an Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU) platform designed for handling extremely large machine intelligence workloads.

Graphcore’s latest Bow IPU leverages Wafer-on-Wafer (WoW) 3D stacking technology. Each Bow IPU delivers up to 350 teraFLOPS of AI compute, an impressive 40% leap forward in performance and up to 16% more power efficiency compared to the previous generation IPU. TSMC has worked closely with Graphcore as a leading customer for its breakthrough SoIC-WoW (Wafer-on-Wafer) solution, as their pioneering designs in cutting-edge parallel processing architectures make them an ideal match for our technology.

Graphcore is now a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank and will continue to operate under the Graphcore name. The company’s headquarters remain in Bristol, with offices in Cambridge, London, Gdansk, and Hsinchu. “This is a tremendous endorsement of our team and their ability to build truly transformative AI technologies at scale, as well as a great outcome for our company,” said Graphcore co-founder and CEO Nigel Toon. “Demand for AI compute is vast and continues to grow. There remains much to do to improve efficiency, resilience, and computational power to unlock the full potential of AI. In SoftBank, we have a partner that can enable the Graphcore team to redefine the landscape for AI technology.”

“Society is embracing the opportunities offered by foundation models, generative AI applications, and new approaches to scientific discovery,” said Vikas J. Parekh, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. “Next generation semiconductors and compute systems are essential in the AGI journey, and we’re pleased to collaborate with Graphcore in this mission.”

Key Points:

• Acquisition: SoftBank Group acquires Graphcore, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

• Technology: Graphcore’s Bow IPU delivers up to 350 teraFLOPS of AI compute with advanced Wafer-on-Wafer 3D stacking technology.

• Future Plans: Graphcore will continue operating under its name, aiming to advance AI technology with SoftBank’s support.

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AT&T discloses massive breach of data via 3rd party cloud

AT&T disclosed a massive cyber breach involving the illegal download of customer data from a workspace on a third-party cloud platform. The incident is believed to be the largest of its type in the U.S. to date.  The third-party cloud provider was not named.

AT&T said an investigation has revealed that the compromised data includes records of calls and texts for nearly all of AT&T’s cellular customers, as well as those of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) using AT&T’s network. Additionally, landline customers who interacted with these cellular numbers between May 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022, are affected. The breach also impacted records from January 2, 2023, for a small number of customers. These records detail the telephone numbers contacted by AT&T or MVNO cellular numbers, and some also include cell site identification numbers associated with the interactions.

AT&T said its has since secured the access point to prevent further illegal access and is collaborating with law enforcement, which has already apprehended at least one individual connected to the incident.

AT&T further states that the breach did not involve the content of calls or texts, personal information such as Social Security numbers or dates of birth, or detailed usage information like timestamps of calls or texts. While customer names are not included in the compromised data, there is a potential risk of identifying individuals using publicly available tools to match telephone numbers with names.  The company is providing an online method for customers to access their own call records to see what information was stolen in the breach.

Key Points:

• Breach Scope: Compromised data includes call and text records for nearly all AT&T cellular and MVNO customers from May 2022 to October 2022, and a few records from January 2023.

• Data Integrity: No personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or call/text content was included in the breach.

• Security Measures: AT&T has secured the access point, is working with law enforcement, and one suspect has been apprehended.

https://www.att.com/support/article/my-account/000102979?source=EPcc000000000000U

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SpaceX suffers launch anomaly with a batch of Starlinks

SpaceX experienced an anomaly during a Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites from California. The second stage engine did not complete its second burn, resulting in the Starlink satellites being deployed into a lower-than-intended orbit.

SpaceX is attempting to raise the orbit of the satellites using their ion thrusters but has indicated that the chances of success are not great. This could potentially lead to the loss of 20 satellites, including 13 equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities.s

Despite the anomaly, the Falcon 9 booster landed successfully on a drone ship in the Pacific.

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Nokia selected by Denmark's Norlys to enhance mobile core network

Nokia has announced its selection by Norlys, the owner of Telia Denmark and Denmark’s largest integrated energy and telecommunications operator, to provide its mobile core network and managed services. This new agreement, combined with a previous RAN contract signed in 2021, is set to significantly enhance the performance and reliability of Norlys’ mobile network.

This collaboration reflects Nokia’s dedication to driving innovation and supporting the digital transformation of its customers and partners. With Nokia’s solutions, Norlys will be able to offer a comprehensive service solution to its customers, fostering new growth opportunities within Denmark. The deal includes the deployment of Nokia’s 4G/5G packet core, IMS, and SDM solutions to support voice and data services for Norlys subscribers.

Nokia’s core network applications will operate on Red Hat OpenShift, a leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes, integrated into the Nokia Cloud Platform. Additionally, Nokia will secure Norlys’ network using its NetGuard solutions, including Endpoint Detection and Response, Privileged Access Management, and Certificate Management. The agreement also encompasses holistic managed security, performance, and assurance services, leveraging Nokia’s 7220 IXR platforms with SR Linux NOS for data center connectivity, and Nokia MantaRay NM for automated network management and optimization.

Key Points:

• Core Network and Services: Nokia to provide 4G/5G packet core, IMS, and SDM solutions.

• Security and Management: Deployment of NetGuard security solutions and managed services.

• Technology Integration: Use of Red Hat OpenShift and Nokia Cloud Platform for cloud-native infrastructure.

• Network Optimization: Implementation of Nokia MantaRay NM for automated network management and optimization.

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2024/07/10/nokia-to-deliver-full-core-network-security-and-managed-services-to-norlys-of-denmark-with-red-hat-openshift/

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