GWDG Delivers Robust AI and Data Services with the VAST Data Platform

GWDG is at the forefront of AI research in Germany, providing critical IT services and infrastructure to support cutting-edge scientific research.

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Industry

Higher Education

Use Case

Artificial Intelligence

Overview

The Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung mbH Göttingen (GWDG) is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) research in Germany. As a joint facility of the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Society, GWDG provides critical IT services and infrastructure to support cutting-edge scientific research.

In 2022, GWDG faced a pivotal challenge: they needed a data platform to support their national AI service center while addressing their broader data needs. After an extensive evaluation, GWDG selected the VAST Data Platform as the foundation for their next-generation data platform infrastructure.

Background

One key benefit GWDG has experienced with VAST Data is simplified data management. Prof. Dr. Kunkel notes, “VAST is the entry point for managing multiple data platforms. Depending on the workload, we utilize different data systems.”

This centralized approach allows GWDG to manage diverse workloads and user requirements efficiently. “If a user has a high-performance workload, their data gets placed on the VAST Data Platform. If a user has a project with many large files that are not frequently accessed, we put them on traditional storage,” Prof. Dr. Kunkel explains.

The flexibility of the VAST Data Platform has enabled GWDG to consolidate multiple systems and workloads. Various workloads like home directories, software distribution, AI projects, and node deployment now leverage the VAST Data Platform.