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I have been a loyal customer of DigitalOcean for several years. When I first discovered the company in 2016, it offered a simple and easy-to-use Linux server with a range of distros to choose from. DigitalOcean set itself apart from traditional web hosting providers by offering infrastructure services rather than just software. Dillon Erb, the Vice President of DigitalOcean, Image: Dillon Erb
Most web hosting providers provide a control panel for managing your website hosting experience. However, with DigitalOcean, you have complete control over your virtual machine. They offer a virtual bare-metal server that allows you to customize it to your needs, which was a major draw for me. Additionally, I have tested many AI tools for work, and I have found that DigitalOcean’s services help me be more productive on a daily basis.
DigitalOcean was like Amazon Web Services (AWS) but with a more transparent pricing structure. Initially, it was more expensive than AWS for the work I was doing, but over time, DigitalOcean has expanded its services to offer a wide range of infrastructure capabilities in the cloud.
Aside from using their bare-metal virtual Linux servers, I have not explored their additional capabilities, but I appreciate the ability to quickly and affordably set up and shut down a Linux machine for various purposes. This is useful for testing systems, running low-traffic servers, and enhancing my overall infrastructure. With the increasing focus on artificial intelligence (AI), it makes sense that DigitalOcean is now providing infrastructure for AI operations as well.
Today, we will be discussing this further with Dillon Erb, the Vice President of AI Advocacy and Partnerships at DigitalOcean. Let’s delve into the conversation.
ZDNET: Could you give us a brief overview of your role at DigitalOcean?
Dillon Erb: I was the co-founder and CEO of Paperspace, the first dedicated GPU cloud computing company. In July 2023, Paperspace was acquired by DigitalOcean to bring AI tooling and GPU infrastructure to a wider audience. Currently, I serve as the VP of AI Strategy, working on new product offerings and ecosystem partnerships to ensure that DigitalOcean remains the preferred cloud platform for developers.
ZDNET: What are some of the exciting AI projects you are currently working on at DigitalOcean?
DE: We are expanding our GPU cloud to support rapid onboarding for a new generation of software developers creating the future of AI. We are integrating AI tooling across the DigitalOcean Platform to create a streamlined AI-native cloud computing platform. Additionally, we are providing GPU compute and LLMs to our customers to help them deliver more value to their clients consistently.
ZDNET: What challenges do startups face when entering the AI space?
DE: Startups often struggle with access to resources, talent, and capital when entering the AI arena. AI developers spend a significant amount of time on tooling, hindering their ability to scale their applications. Another challenge is the reliance on NVIDIA GPU compute for training and running AI models, which can be costly for smaller companies.
ZDNET: How does DigitalOcean aim to support startups and smaller businesses in AI development?
DE: We aim to create a level playing field in AI development by providing an easy-to-use environment, inherent replicability across our products, and access at low costs. By simplifying our platform and reducing costs, we make it easier for startups to leverage AI technologies without breaking the bank.
ZDNET: Why is it important for AI development to be inclusive of smaller players, and what are the potential consequences if it is not?
DE: Developing AI requires significant resources, and smaller players may struggle to keep up with the increasing size and complexity of datasets and models. It is crucial for AI development to be inclusive of smaller players to foster innovation and diversity in the industry. If smaller players are excluded, we risk limiting the potential breakthroughs and advancements that could come from a more diverse range of participants in AI development.