Microsoft Unveils Custom Chips to Enhance Data Center Efficiency and Security

The new Azure Integrated HSM and Azure Boost DPU aim to optimize AI workloads and improve power management.

Microsoft has introduced the Azure Integrated HSM, a security chip designed to protect encryption keys within data centers, meeting FIPS 140-3 Level 3 standards.
The Azure Boost DPU, Microsoft's first data processing unit, is engineered to enhance performance and reduce power consumption for cloud storage tasks.
These chips are part of Microsoft's strategy to develop custom silicon, reducing reliance on third-party processors like those from Intel and Nvidia.
Microsoft's advancements also include new cooling systems and power optimization techniques to manage the environmental impact of AI data centers.
The company plans to begin installing the Azure Integrated HSM in all new data center servers next year, with the rollout timeline for the Azure Boost DPU yet to be specified.