Research Notes

Research Note: DeepSeek’s Impact on IT Infrastructure Market

Steve McDowell January 28, 2025

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek recently introduced an AI model, DeepSeek-R1l that the company claims that it matches or surpasses models from industry. The move created significant buzz in the AI industry. Though the claims remain unverified, the potential to democratize AI training and fundamentally alter industry dynamics is clear.

Research Note: The Stargate Project

Steve McDowell January 27, 2025

The Stargate Project, announced at a political event on January 25, 2025, is a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX that will invest up to $500 billion by 2030 to develop AI infrastructure across the United States.

Research Note: IBM Consulting Acquires Oracle Specialist AST

Steve McDowell January 23, 2025

IBM announced that it intends to acquire Applications Software Technology(AST), a leading global Oracle consultancy. AST specializes in delivering digital transformation solutions via Oracle Cloud Applications, with a focus on the public sector, including local governments and K-12 education.

Research Note: ServiceNow to Acquire Conversation Data Analysis Company Cuein

Steve McDowell January 23, 2025

ServiceNow has entered into an agreement to acquire Cuein, a company specializing in AI-native conversation data analysis and insights. This acquisition bolsters ServiceNow’s strategic focus on Agentic AI—autonomous AI agents capable of processing data, making decisions, and executing tasks across enterprise workflows.

Research Note: Lenovo to Acquire Infinidat, Grow into High-End Storage

Steve McDowell January 21, 2025

In a surprise move, Lenovo has announced its intention to acquire Infinidat, a privately held enterprise storage company specializing in scalable, high-performance, and cyber-resilient storage solutions.

Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. This acquisition marks Lenovo’s strategic entry into the high-end enterprise storage market, complementing its existing portfolio, which primarily focuses on entry and mid-range storage solutions.

The deal is expected to close sometime in 2H calendar 2025.

Research Note: UALink Consortium Expands Board, adds Apple, Alibaba Cloud & Synopsys

Steve McDowell January 15, 2025

The Ultra Accelerator Link Consortium (UALink), an industry organization taking a collaborative approach to advance high-speed interconnect standards for next-generation AI workloads, announced an expansion to its Board of Directors, welcoming Alibaba Cloud, Apple, and Synopsys – joining existing member companies like AMD, AWS, Cisco, Google, HPE, Intel, Meta, and Microsoft.