The alliance, led by BlackRock, GIP, MGX, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and xAI, aims to mobilize up to $100 billion for critical technology infrastructure.
Cisco has announced its participation in the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), an ambitious global initiative that seeks to accelerate the deployment of advanced data centers and the infrastructure needed to support the exponential growth of artificial intelligence. This collaboration positions Cisco as a key technology partner alongside heavyweights like BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), MGX, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and xAI, the company founded by Elon Musk.
The AIP platform aims to initially unlock $30 billion in capital from institutional investors, asset owners, and corporations, with the expectation of reaching up to $100 billion in total investment, including funding through debt. The goal is to build secure, efficient, and scalable infrastructures ready to handle the demands of generative AI models, machine learning, and hyperconnected workloads.
Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco, emphasized the crucial role of connectivity and security in this new era:
“Artificial intelligence is only as effective as the technology that connects and protects it. By collaborating across the industry and leveraging public-private partnerships, we will build the infrastructure necessary to realize AI’s potential and drive economic growth.”
Meanwhile, Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, welcomed Cisco’s addition to the alliance:
“The evolution of the artificial intelligence ecosystem represents a generational investment opportunity. Cisco brings unique value that will strengthen our ability to meet the new demands for technology infrastructure.”
Through this collaboration, Cisco will contribute its expertise in networks, security, and AI-integrated infrastructure solutions, areas where it has solidified its leadership in recent years. The company is joining an open and non-exclusive collaboration architecture, where multiple technology, energy, and financial stakeholders work together to build a new generation of data centers.
In addition to Cisco, the consortium has already announced agreements with GE Vernova and NextEra Energy for sustainable energy supply, a critical component at a time when energy efficiency has become a priority for high-density data centers and edge computing deployments.
The shared vision of AIP is to create a modern digital infrastructure that allows public and private sectors to fully leverage AI capabilities. This includes everything from new forms of automation and productivity enhancement to empowering critical services in health, finance, transportation, and education.
via: newsroom.cisco.com