Taiwan's AI data center operator Zettabyte has announced that Pegatron will integrate Zware, its self-developed GPU software solution, to boost AI server performance and set a new standard for high-performance AI computing.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) surpassed revenue and operating margin expectations in its latest quarter, driven by strong AI-server demand, though margin pressures raise questions about sustained profitability.

Foxconn reported a November revenue of NT$672.585 billion (approx. US$20.76 billion), surpassing the total earnings of the previous year in the first 11 months of 2024. Despite a dip in Smart Consumer Electronics and Cloud & Networking Products, there was growth in Computing Products and Components & Others, driven by strong demand for AI products and new Apple releases. The company expects further improvement in the second half of the year, especially in the fourth quarter.

Sakura Internet is collaborating with NEC to develop a generative AI (GenAI) service platform, integrating NEC's "cotomi" AI technology into its offerings. To support this initiative, Sakura Internet plans to procure 10,000 Nvidia GPUs annually, highlighting the growing demand for GenAI solutions.

Recent reports indicate that Hongjun Microelectronics Technology, a Chinese Arm server processor IC designer, is undergoing significant layoffs. Industry insiders suggest this may be connected to TSMC's prior decision to reduce the supply of advanced processes at 7nm and below to China, which has likely had a ripple effect on the company.

AWS announced significant cloud developments and custom chip design progress at its major conference in the US this week. The company's next-generation 3nm chip, Trainium 3, is set to launch in 2025, with industry sources suggesting Taiwan-based ASIC company Alchip will lead its development. Additionally, AWS is reportedly finalizing a long-term ASIC collaboration agreement with Marvell, demonstrating strong market demand. Industry insiders remain optimistic about the ASIC market's long-term prospects.

FineTek, a leading Taiwanese sensor manufacturer, is experiencing a sharp increase in orders from server ODM clients this December, driven by the mass production of Nvidia's GB200 liquid-cooled servers. The company anticipates continued strong momentum beyond the first quarter of 2025, with expectations of "astounding" order volumes in the second quarter.

Workstations are the latest hardware category to see an AI-related boom. As noted by James Huang, chairman of rugged industrial PC (IPC) specialist Getac Technology, the company has seen strong sales of its X600 Server, a fully rugged command server, due to enterprise demand for AI functions. In addition, Quanta executive VP Alan Tsai has recently noted untapped potential in workstations.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled its latest innovation, the Trainium3 chip, featuring an advanced 3nm manufacturing process and scheduled for release in late 2025. The announcement event notably featured Apple's presence, highlighting the tech giant's significant reliance on AWS cloud services.

AWS has expanded beyond its existing Titan series with the introduction of the Nova family of AI models. The announcement came during the annual AWS conference, where Amazon CEO Andy Jassy made a special appearance to unveil various Nova versions including Micro, Lite, Pro, and Premier. While the first three versions are now generally available, Premier is scheduled for a later release.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced three significant reforms in data center technology, including the streamlining of power distribution and structural design, the introduction of liquid cooling systems, and enhancements to energy efficiency. The company is also collaborating with Nvidia to advance the design of liquid-cooled server racks.

Megvii Technology, one of China's original "AI Elite Four" which specializes in computer vision and deep learning, announced its application for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR) has been withdrawn.

Donald Trump's upcoming return to the US presidency and his promised import tariffs threaten to disrupt the World Trade Organization's free trade principles. The WTO's 166 member states account for a combined 98% of global trade, and industry watchers are closely monitoring how these protectionist policies might reshape global commerce.

Orders for brand AI servers are surging, prompting Taiwan-based electronic contract manufacturing firms to capitalize on the trend regardless of order variations.

Demand for AI servers will not peak in 2025, according to Quanta Computer executive VP and Quanta Cloud Technology general manager Mike Yang. In his opinion, the AI industry has seen an end-to-end progression encompassing all aspects from training and inference to end-user devices. Quanta has also seen AI server orders steadily increase.

The development of AI robots spans multiple sectors, from smart factories to smart homes and specialized applications. However, for semiconductor giants like Nvidia and Qualcomm, penetrating the industrial sector presents challenges reminiscent of the autonomous vehicle market.

Taiwan's industrial computer (IPC) manufacturers are maintaining their composure despite the ripples sent through global supply chains by Donald Trump's recent announcement of tariff policy changes targeting Mexico, Canada, and China.

Both Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang consider humanoid robots to be the ultimate chapter in AI development. According to a Goldman Sachs research forecast for the first half of 2024, humanoid robot shipments are expected to exceed 250,000 units by 2030, with nearly all deployments in industrial sectors.

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI has made headlines with its urgent push for advanced AI hardware. Industry sources indicate that Musk directly approached Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, offering a premium to expedite a US$1.08 billion order. Production of these AI server systems will be handled by Foxconn, Nvidia's key manufacturing partner.

MiTAC Corporate President Billy Ho expressed optimism for 2025, though he acknowledged the significant uncertainties ahead, including geopolitical tensions and the potential impact of a "Trump 2.0" scenario. To mitigate these risks, MiTAC is taking proactive measures to ensure resilience and adaptability in the face of potential disruptions.

The growing adoption of AI across industries and intensifying geopolitical tensions have led to escalating cybersecurity threats, fueling demand for robust solutions and digital forensic services. Taiwan-based Acer Cyber Security Inc. (ACSI), a cybersecurity specialist, has seen steady revenue growth as a result.

Neousys Technology has defied the downward trend in the industrial PC (IPC) industry in 2024, achieving solid revenues and profits through its early investments in edge AI computing. As the IPC industry rebounds amid growing AI adoption, chairman James Gau projects sustained growth for the company in 2025.

The global push toward net-zero emissions is transforming industries, presenting both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. With 198 countries committed to net-zero targets by 2050, this transition has become essential for businesses seeking long-term sustainability. The industrial PC (IPC) sector stands at the forefront of these changes.

Allis Electric Co. (AEC) is broadening its market focus beyond semiconductors to tap into the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence and data center sectors. The company plans to leverage its established expertise in high- and low-voltage switchgear and transformers, building upon its strong foundation as a supplier to Taiwan's leading semiconductor manufacturers.

LG Electronics has announced a major organizational restructuring aimed at shifting from a product-focused strategy to a solution-driven approach. This strategic realignment seeks to drive sustainable business growth while bolstering the company's competitive edge.