LAS VEGAS – At this year’s Dell Technologies World, AI isn’t just about chatbots. It’s diving deep into data centers and transforming operations. Companies are now pushing for real-world applications beyond customer support.
Jeff Clarke, Dell’s vice chairman and COO, emphasized the urgency in his Day 2 keynote. “If you don’t adapt to AI, you’re at risk,” he said. He called it the most disruptive technology he’s encountered in his career. During the talk, Dell showcased its AI Factory and a refreshed lineup of storage hardware, aimed at enhancing AI development for hybrid-cloud setups.
One highlight? Dell’s new parallel file system, previously known as Project Lightning, is set to launch by year’s end. This software-defined system, designed for Dell PowerEdge servers, is currently in limited testing and competes with offerings from companies like DataDirect Networks and Lustre.
Upgrading for AI workloads is on many companies’ minds, but as CEO Michael Dell pointed out, economic uncertainty—especially in North America with ongoing tariffs—may slow down these upgrades. He noted the significant costs of powering large language models (LLMs). “Tokens are bigger than tariffs,” he succinctly stated.
Jeff Clarke urged a careful approach with AI. He advised starting small to avoid squandering resources. “If you apply AI to a flawed process, you just amplify the flaws,” he warned.
On the ground, companies like Dauntless XR from Texas are leveraging AI for cutting-edge applications like object recognition and digital twins. Co-founder Lori-Lee Elliott pointed out the need for AI to seamlessly support businesses. “AI should go beyond chatbots to genuinely enhance organizations,” she said.
Chris Sullivan from Oregon State University reflected on the misconceptions about AI. He highlighted the need for better data management, explaining that many organizations might not realize their data isn’t ready for AI applications. “We need to position AI to illuminate what’s in the data,” he advised.
AI isn’t just for corporations. Local charities are harnessing it too. Hopeworks, a nonprofit offering tech training, received Dell equipment for virtual job interview training. CEO Dan Rhoton described how clients receive tailored interview simulations using AI. “It gives them a chance to practice without judgment,” he noted.
With AI as a support tool, Hopeworks clients are gaining skills faster than ever. “AI is transforming the job prospects of our young adults,” Rhoton said, pointing out that it complements rather than replaces human effort.
Tim McCarthy covers cloud and data storage for Informa TechTarget.