Title
Optimizing AI Workloads with Ubuntu AI images
Speaker(s)
Hassan Tasneem
Hugo Huang
Date and time
2025-10-23T14:30:00Z
Session type
Talk (25 minutes)
Abstract
his talk will explore the collaborative effort between Canonical, Google, and Nvidia to deliver optimized Ubuntu Linux images for AI workloads on Google Cloud. We’ll delve into the technical intricacies of these purpose-built images, highlighting the seamless integration of essential GPU and networking drivers with the compute hardware for enhanced performance and ease-of-use. Beyond the technical “geek-out,” we’ll discuss the strategic business implications, showcasing how these images empower AI developers to move faster and scale AI workloads easily. Join us to understand how this innovative solution bridges the gap between cutting-edge GPU technology and real-world value.
Key Topics We’ll Cover:
- Understanding the Challenge: Why optimizing AI workloads remains the key challenge for most AI developers, and how this project fundamentally tackles the painful status quo (e.g., driver and dependency hell, sub-optimal performance, deferred access to the latest hardware/software).
- The Power of Collaboration: A look into the unique partnership among Canonical, Google, and Nvidia in creating these specialized accelerator images, demonstrating technology leadership in the AI space.
- Building Custom Accelerators: What we, as a joint team, did to engineer and optimize these customized Ubuntu AI images.
- Key Benefits for AI Developers: Tangible advantages these proposed accelerator images offer to AI developers, enabling them to innovate faster and scale with ease.
- Impact on the Open Source Community: Exploring the potential long-term influence on the open-source AI ecosystem, including collaboration models and fostering wider developer engagement.
- Tinker & Explore: Practical guidance on how to get started and experiment with these accelerator images in your own environment.
Speaker(s) bio
Hassan Tasneem is a seasoned technology leader with over 15 years of experience in the cloud industry. He has held various leadership positions at both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud.
At AWS, Hassan pioneered several cloud services, including End-User Computing and Amazon Linux Desktops. He currently leads the Operating System technology on Google Compute Engine.
Hassan’s passion for innovation and his deep understanding of cloud technologies have enabled him to make significant contributions to the industry. He is known for his ability to identify emerging trends and transform them into successful products.
Outside of work, Hassan enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in outdoor sports.
Hugo is an expert in Cloud Computing and Business Models, leading joint innovation between Canonical and Google. He has 18 years’ experience in Digital Transformation, including deep engagement in Open Source, Cloud Computing, 5G, AI, Cyber Security and Remote Working. He is also a passionate leader of global leading multi-culture and cross-function teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Strategy, Business Development, and Leadership Management. He holds an MBA degree from MIT Sloan. Outside of work, Hugo enjoys skiing and hiking with his lovely family.
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