SK Telecom Launches AI Data Center-based GPUaaS

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SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) launched ‘SKT GPU-as-a-Service’ (SKT GPUaaS) today at its AI Data Center (AIDC) in Gasan, Seoul, South Korea. The company has been preparing to launch this on-demand artificial intelligence (AI) cloud service as part of its dedicated AIDC business by investing in Lambda, a global GPU cloud company, to secure stable GPU supplies and expertise.

SKT GPUaaS allows businesses to choose the number and duration of GPUs depending on the scale or purpose of AI services, and can configure customized packages, such as standalone servers, firewalls and dedicated lines. Prices are flexibly determined depending on the contract period, the number of GPUs, and the form of prepaid billing.

By utilizing the ‘AI Cloud Manager’ launched last October, GPU resources can be managed more efficiently. The AI Cloud Manager is a solution that manages numerous GPU resources as if they were a single computer to maximize GPU performance and support reducing the learning time required for AI development.

The GPUaaS launched this time is based on NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs. SK Telecom plans to introduce one of the latest GPUs, NVIDIA H200 Tensor Core, in the first quarter of 2025. By introducing the H200 in South Korea, SK Telecom plans to create an environment where domestic companies can develop AI technology and services more quickly and also to boost the expansion of GPUaaS customers.

“The introduction of GPUaaS marks the first instance of our AI Data Center business actively reaching out to customers. This is a crucial step in positioning SK Telecom as a major force in the AI infrastructure arena,” said Kim Myong-gook, head of SK Telecom’s GPUaaS business. “Our goal is to boost our clients' competitiveness by leveraging our GPU as a platform for their AI services.”