Akamai Introduces Cloud-Based VPUs for Enhanced Video Processing

Akamai has launched Akamai Cloud Accelerated Compute Instances, a new category of cloud-based compute powered by NETINT's video processing units (VPUs), announced in a press release. This makes Akamai the first cloud provider to offer VPUs, which are specialized chips designed to efficiently handle video processing tasks.

The new instances utilize NETINT's Quadra T1U VPUs, capable of encoding up to 32 live streams at 1080p30 broadcast quality. These VPUs are optimized for high-quality video streaming and energy efficiency, supporting resolutions up to 8Kp60 in formats like AV1, HEVC, and H.264. This innovation allows media companies to scale their video delivery services without significant increases in IT costs.

By offloading compute-intensive video tasks to VPUs, companies can free up CPU resources for other applications, enhancing overall system performance. NETINT claims that their VPU architecture offers up to 20 times greater throughput than traditional CPU-only solutions, significantly reducing operational expenses for video streaming services.