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Go poke around: https://research.google.com/pubs/papers.html https://research.google.com/pubs/papers.html You will see lots of custom stuff that Google does.
by kyrra 10y ago
Go poke around: https://research.google.com/pubs/papers.html https://research.google.com/pubs/papers.html
You will see lots of custom stuff that Google does. There are many things that are better to outsource to 3rd parties, but many things are better in-house because the solutions just don't exist or they cost too much for the volume they need. Some examples:
Network routers for CLOS topology (there are pictures of some of the hardware): https://research.google.com/pubs/pub43837.html https://research.google.com/pubs/pub43837.html
Custom built SSDs (custom firmware/controller with a mix of flash chips from various vendors): https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/fast16/fast16-papers-schroeder.pdf https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/fast16/fast16...
Then you the TPU custom chip for running Tensorflow.
- Cyph0n 10y agoInteresting stuff. I've heard about the TPU chip but not the rest. They're still eons away from e.g. Intel or Samsung when it comes to vertical integration on the hardware side. I believe that Samsung is the only company in the world that is capable of building an entire computer (e.g., laptop or smartphone) from scratch completely in-house. They can design software and OSes AND manufacture SoCs, memory, LED panels, etc. It's very impressive.
- kr0 10y agoOn that note it would be really interesting to see the percentage breakdown of who's IP made your phone/laptop/etc
- ra1n85 10y agoSorry, but it's Clos, which is named after Charles Clos. Pronounced "Cloh". This only bugs me because I've seen this done so many times - specific domain knowledge nerd rant over.