QNAP joined CES 2019 showing the AI-Ready NAS used for training and inference, intelligent AI-based image application automation, the new edge computing PoE switch used in a video surveillance scenario, and a product portfolio designed for Apple users to accomplish backups by leveraging 10GbE and Thunderbolt connectivity.

AI training and inference with QNAP

Built around AI optimization with GPU-accelerated computing, the TS-2888X AI-Ready NAS is an all-in-one AI solution combining storage and a ready-to-use software environment that simplifies AI machine learning. Alongside an IOPS-optimized storage infrastructure that accelerates AI workloads, the QuAI AI developer package enables a range of open-source tools and frameworks (including Caffe, TensorFlow, AlexNet, FaceNet, and more) for AI workflows readily available to users. QNAP also debuted the OpenVINO Workflow Consolidation Tool, a deep learning package to convert the trained models into inference service accelerated by the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO Toolkit. A live demo was presented using a TVS-872XT NAS and a PCIe-based FPGA accelerator to showcase the capabilities of a QNAP NAS as an Inference Server that assists organizations in quickly building their inference system.

New hybrid cloud experience

QNAP also showcased the set-top-box 10GbE hybrid-structure HS-453DX NAS with two SATA hard drive bays and two M.2 SATA SSD slots, and the TBS-453DX NASbook with four M.2 SATA SSD slots. With the Cloud Gateway service “CacheMount”, users can map multiple public cloud storages for near-unlimited storage capacity, while also benefit from near-LAN speed accessibility to their cloud files with local caching enabled. QNAP also demonstrated the QuMagie app, a new Photo Station, which integrates AI deep learning algorithms to enable facial/subject recognition and geography tagging of images stored in the NAS.

A NAS as an edge computing PoE switch

QNAP boosts networking efforts to roll out a refreshed Guardian QGD-1600P that integrates NAS, managed switch, and Power over Ethernet (PoE)​ capabilities into one device. The QGD-1600P features an Intel Celeron J4105 processor, two 2.5-inch SATA drive bays, two PCIe slots, and one HDMI output; runs the QTS operating system with the App Center to realize various applications including virtual machines, containerized apps, and video surveillance; and also acts as a 16-port managed switch, which is based on the Microchip VSC7425, IEEE 802.3bt ready with power level up to 90W, and supports VLAN, QoS, and port-based PoE control. A live demo with QVR Pro was presented to demonstrate a budget-friendly option for deploying a video surveillance solution with HDMI monitoring, networking management, and PoE support.

AI network appliance - PUZZLE series based on Intel, AMD and Marvell processors

QNAP partnered with IEI to showcase the PUZZLE series, a network appliance which includes a broad portfolio of x86-based (8th Gen. Intel Core or AMD EPYC 3000 Series) and ARM-based (Marvell, NXP or Cavium SoC) network platforms. The PUZZLE series is optimized to handle proprietary network and uCPE (Universal Customer Premise Equipment) and offers real-time software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) services with any additional virtual network functions (VNF) services. It is also an AI hardware ready system designed for deep learning inference computing by supporting graphics cards, IEI Mustang-F100 and Mustang-V100 AI accelerator cards. PUZZLE users can utilize NVIDIA TensorRT, QNAP QuAI, and Intel OpenVINO AI development toolkit to simplify deployment of AI solutions.

Solutions for Apple users

QNAP showcased products designed for optimizing the workflows of Apple users, including file backup, collaboration, and high-speed multi-workstation environments with 10GbE and Thunderbolt.

The Qulala is an external drive equipped with a Lightning cable for connecting iOS devices. This handy gadget makes backing up mobile files easy and keeps files safe as a self-encrypting drive. For Thunderbolt users, besides using QNAP’s new TVS-x72XT Thunderbolt NAS series, they can also enjoy 10GbE connectivity by using QNAP’s QNA series of Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE adapters, and QNAP's QSW series of 10GbE/NBASE-T switches. Also featured was the new TR-004 USB 3.0 RAID expansion enclosure that provides both Mac computers and QNAP NAS with a secure storage expansion solution.