Unlocking AI Potential: Theseus Distributed Query Engine by Voltron Data Breaks Down Data Processing Barriers
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the central role of data is increasingly apparent, simultaneously emerging as one of the field’s most significant challenges. Voltron Data has stepped forward to tackle this challenge head-on, introducing Theseus Distributed Query Engine, a revolutionary distributed query engine. This sophisticated technology aims to not only recognize but also address the critical bottleneck created by the scarcity of high-quality data, preventing companies from fully reaping the rewards of AI.
AI’s Data Processing Dilemma: Voltron Data’s Theseus Solution
Delving into the intricacies of AI development, Voltron Data sheds light on the predicaments faced by industry leaders, primarily the constraints in data processing. In a press release on December 1, the company unveils Theseus Distributed Query Engine as a distributed processing engine strategically designed to overcome the limitations posed by conventional CPU clusters. The widening performance gap between Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Central Processing Units (CPUs) accentuates the urgency for a transformative solution.
Theseus Distributed Query Engine: Revolutionizing Data Engines for AI
Crafted by Voltron Data, Theseus Distributed Query Engine emerges as a pioneering distributed data engine, showcasing compatibility with advanced hardware such as GPUs, high-bandwidth memory, and cutting-edge networking and storage solutions. Defined as an “embeddable engine,” Theseus Distributed Query Engine seamlessly integrates with existing data platforms through standard interfaces like Arrow, RAPIDS, Ibis, Substrait, and Velox. The versatility extends to programming languages, including Python, R, Java, Rust, and C++.
Performance Breakthrough: Theseus vs. Traditional Query Engines
Theseus Distributed Query Engine sets itself apart by claiming an impressive feat – processing data 45 times faster than the widely-used Apache Spark while costing significantly less (20 times). The overarching goal is to leverage accelerated computing capabilities, enabling the rapid processing of vast datasets without the need for expensive custom hardware or specialized setups. This directly addresses the metaphorical “Wall” described by Josh Patterson, co-founder of Voltron Data.
Navigating The Wall: Accelerated Compute for AI Demand
Patterson underscores the imminent challenge faced by AI systems – an inflection point where CPU-based data systems peak in performance and struggle to keep pace with GPU-powered AI platforms. Theseus Distributed Query Engine steps in to propel data processing beyond these limitations by harnessing the latest innovations in accelerated compute, memory, networking, and storage.
Industry Endorsement: Theseus Integrated into HPE’s Unified Analytics Software
The industry takes note as Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) embraces Theseus Distributed Query Engine, integrating it into its Ezmeral Unified Analytics Software. HPE anticipates that Theseus Distributed Query Engine will significantly enhance the data flow for AI, machine learning (ML), and analytics workloads, particularly by supporting GPU- and CPU-optimized data lakehouses.
Novel Revenue Model: Theseus Access through Revenue Sharing
In a departure from traditional models, Voltron Data introduces a “revenue share” arrangement, allowing customers or partners to seamlessly embed Theseus Distributed Query Engine into their systems. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) stands as one of the early adopters, incorporating Theseus Distributed Query Engine into its Ezmeral Unified Analytics Software.
Expansion into AI: Voltron Data’s Acquisition of Claypot
As part of its strategic growth, Voltron Data recently made a significant move by acquiring Claypot, an AI startup with expertise in feature engineering and MLOps capabilities. Founded in 2022 by Chip Huyen, the author of “Designing Machine Learning Systems,” and Zhenzhong Xu, who led the streaming data platform team serving over 2,000 data use cases at Netflix, Claypot’s integration aligns with Voltron Data’s commitment to accelerating its real-time and MLOps product roadmap with state-of-the-art solutions.
Strategic Growth: Voltron Data’s Funding and Acquisition History
Founded in late 2021 by Wes McKinney, the creator of pandas and co-creator of Apache Arrow, and Josh Patterson, the former senior director of RAPIDS at Nvidia, Voltron Data has experienced substantial financial backing. In February 2022, the company secured $22 million in a seed round from BlackRock and Walden Catalyst, followed by an $88 million Series A round with Catalyst in the same month. The recent acquisition of Claypot marks Voltron Data’s initial venture into the expansive realm of AI.
