Skip to main content
Sriram Subramanian, cloud analyst, stands beside a large digital display of AI nodes, gesturing while speaking at a tech conference.

Editorial illustration for Cloud Analyst Forecasts Hybrid Approach for AI Inference Workloads

Cloud AI Inference Models Set to Transform Workloads

Cloud analyst Sriram Subramanian predicts mixed inference model for AI workloads

Updated: 2 min read

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly shifting, with companies racing to improve how and where complex AI models run. Cloud computing experts are now zeroing in on a critical challenge: balancing computational power, performance, and efficiency for AI inference workloads.

Sriram Subramanian, founder of market research firm CloudDon, has been tracking these emerging strategies closely. His insights suggest a nuanced approach is emerging that could reshape how businesses deploy AI technologies.

The traditional cloud-only model is showing signs of strain. As AI models become more sophisticated, organizations are seeking more flexible solutions that can dynamically allocate computing resources.

Subramanian's research points to a potential breakthrough in how companies might tackle these computational challenges. His perspective offers a glimpse into the strategic thinking driving next-generation AI infrastructure decisions.

The stakes are high. How companies manage AI inference could determine their competitive edge in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.

In a conversation with AIM, Sriram Subramanian, cloud computing analyst and founder of market research firm CloudDon, said he expects a mixed model, in which inference is split between the cloud and the device to improve performance. "The other angle is moving to smaller AI models where the requirements aren't much for the user." "GPUs will be the larger pie definitely," he declared, adding that powerful cloud-based compute will remain necessary for accuracy and high-demand workloads. If users want the most accurate and contextually relevant responses, they may continue to prefer cloud-based GPUs, which will remain more powerful than on-device systems, even as local AI proves increasingly capable.

AI inference is heading toward a nuanced hybrid approach. Cloud computing will remain critical, but device-level processing will play an increasingly important role.

Sriram Subramanian's analysis suggests performance optimization requires distributing workloads strategically. Powerful GPUs will dominate the compute landscape, particularly for high-demand applications requiring substantial processing power.

The emerging model looks flexible. Some AI tasks will use cloud infrastructure, while others might shift to more compact, device-native models with lighter computational requirements.

This approach isn't about completely replacing cloud computing, but intelligently balancing computational needs. Smaller AI models could enable more localized, efficient inference across different environments.

Subramanian's perspective highlights a pragmatic path forward. By splitting inference between cloud and device, organizations can potentially improve speed, reduce latency, and manage computational resources more effectively.

The strategy seems particularly promising for scenarios where immediate response and computational efficiency matter most. Still, cloud-based compute will remain fundamental for complex, accuracy-intensive workloads.

Common Questions Answered

What hybrid approach does Sriram Subramanian predict for AI inference workloads?

Subramanian forecasts a mixed model where AI inference will be distributed between cloud and device-level processing. This approach aims to optimize performance by strategically splitting computational requirements, with powerful cloud-based GPUs handling high-demand workloads while smaller models run directly on devices.

How will GPU usage impact AI inference strategies in the near future?

According to Subramanian, GPUs will dominate the compute landscape for AI inference. Cloud-based powerful GPUs will remain critical for accuracy and handling complex, high-demand computational tasks, ensuring sophisticated AI models can perform efficiently.

What trends are emerging in AI model design to improve inference performance?

The emerging trend involves developing smaller AI models with reduced computational requirements for specific user needs. This strategy complements the hybrid cloud-device approach, allowing more flexible and efficient AI inference across different computing environments.