52 varieties of CPUs and why they matter to your business

Telco businesses need to make sure that they're buying the right CPUs for the workloads that they're planning to run. Not everyone realizes that Intel has a wide selection of processors available in various configurations for different business needs. At Intel, we're trying to make it simple for our customers to choose the right CPU, as 'one size does not fit all' when it comes to their requirements.

For example, Telco workloads, real time databases or analytics have unique needs in their computing requirements. At Intel, we recently unveiled our new second-generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, formerly known by the codename Cascade Lake. Not only do the new chips come in 52 different varieties, but they also include technologies that weren't available in previous versions such as the new Intel® Deep Learning Boost feature which helps to accelerate AI inference.

In addition to the latest Xeon® Scalable processors, Intel offers the innovative Intel® Xeon® D system-on-a-chip (SoC) processors, which are ideal for edge-based data centers. For CoSPs, it makes sense to move processing power closer to the edge so that they can offer a smoother and more reliable service for customers. Using edge-based data centers can also help to reduce costs and will be vital for the successful roll-out of 5G.

However, it's important that telco businesses have the right architecture in place if they are going to succeed at the edge. With Intel Xeon® D, what you're getting is a powerful Xeon-based server where the cost is reduced because all the different components that you need for an edge server are integrated onto one single chip. But even within Xeon® D, you need to make sure you select the right one for your workload. Maybe you need special temperature range? How many cores does your application will need?

In the past, network providers have relied on other criteria to select their server infrastructure. For example, re-usability, standardization or choosing high volume products were key drivers. But now and in the future, it's vital that telco businesses take a more active approach in specifying which components they need for a tailored edge server that meets their individual needs. IT architects will have a key role in this new scenario. They will have to take very informed decisions on the best CPU or accelerator to run, in the most efficient manner, the new workloads that will be rolled out at the edge.

At Intel, we can help IT and Network architects to design the best architecture for such workloads. Our mission is to work together with CoSPs to understand what their needs are, especially at the edge. I'm passionate about helping Intel customers to find the right solution for their business needs, because choosing the right CPU for your workload really does matter.