Companies combine engineering and design expertise for next generation systems supporting Gen AI and HPC workloads for on-prem and cloud data centers and the promotion of green IT 

KAWASAKI, Japan and SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fujitsu Limited and Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI), today announced they will collaborate to establish a long-term strategic engagement in technology and business, to develop and market a platform with Fujitsu’s future Arm-based “FUJITSU-MONAKA” processor that is designed for high-performance and energy efficiency and targeted for release in 2027. In addition, the two companies will also collaborate on developing liquid-cooled systems for HPC, Gen AI, and next-generation green data centers.

“Supermicro is excited to collaborate with Fujitsu to deliver state-of-the-art servers and solutions that are high performance, power efficient, and cost-optimized,” said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. “These systems will be optimized to support a broad range of workloads in AI, HPC, cloud and edge environments. The two companies will focus on green IT designs with energy-saving architectures, such as liquid cooling rack scale PnP, to minimize technology’s environmental impact.”

As the use of AI continues to grow, demand for data center capacity is rising faster than what can be supplied, and one of the biggest challenges is efficiently meeting growing power consumption requirements. Liquid cooling technology innovation has already made Supermicro an industry leader in shipping liquid cooling solutions today. A key focus will be bringing together Fujitsu and Supermicro expertise to further develop rack-scale liquid cooling solutions.

Fujitsu and Supermicro will combine their technical capabilities and world-class global reach to offer a market-leading server portfolio. Supermicro’s Building Block approach to server design enables a wide range of servers to be quickly built and certified for specific workloads across AI/HPC and general-purpose computing domains in deployments from cloud data centers to edge applications.

In addition, by integrating Fujitsu’s cutting-edge “FUJITSU-MONAKA” processor, the two companies will realize excellent performance and power efficiency while also pursuing high reliability, security, and ease of use with wide software compatibility, thereby empowering customers to implement green AI infrastructure. FUJITSU-MONAKA is a processor based on the Arm instruction set architecture, employing cutting-edge 2-nanometer technology and is set to be delivered in 2027. This new technology applied to the FUJITSU-MONAKA is based on results obtained from a project subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The collaboration will also extend to Fsas Technologies Inc., a Fujitsu subsidiary, which will provide AI platform-based generative AI solutions globally that combine Supermicro’s GPU server products and implementation support services for data center operators and enterprises.

“The collaboration between Fujitsu and Supermicro is a groundbreaking initiative that will accelerate green computing innovation,” said Vivek Mahajan, Corporate Vice President, CTO, and CPO, Fujitsu. “By combining our technologies, we will enable high-performance, energy-efficient AI system infrastructure, driving the evolution of AI and Digital Transformation (DX).”

As a provider of information and communication technology services and data center infrastructure, Fujitsu and Supermicro believe that promoting a green AI infrastructure that reduces power consumption and environmental impact in data centers is a top priority.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Supermicro (NASDAQ: SMCI) is a global leader in Application-Optimized Total IT Solutions. Founded and operating in San Jose, California, Supermicro is committed to delivering first to market innovation for Enterprise, Cloud, AI, and 5G Telco/Edge IT Infrastructure. We are transforming into a Total IT Solutions provider with server, AI, storage, IoT, and switch systems, software, and services while delivering advanced high-volume motherboard, power, and chassis products. The products are designed and manufactured in-house (in the US, Taiwan, and the Netherlands), leveraging global operations for scale and efficiency and optimized to improve TCO and reduce environmental impact (Green Computing). The award-winning portfolio of Server Building Block Solutions® allows customers to optimize for their exact workload and application by selecting from a broad family of systems built from our flexible and reusable building blocks that support a comprehensive set of form factors, processors, memory, GPUs, storage, networking, power and cooling solutions (air-conditioned, free air cooling or liquid cooling).

All company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

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Mobilizing AI capabilities and digital modeling technologies will help optimize safety, reliability and resilience while reducing the impact on CenterPoint’s customers

HOUSTON, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As part of the company’s ambition to become the most resilient coastal electric grid in the country, CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) today announced it has reached an agreement with Neara, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered infrastructure modeling platform for engineering-grade simulations and analytics, to deploy Neara’s AI capabilities across CenterPoint’s 5,000-square-mile Greater Houston service area.

CenterPoint will supplement its existing systems with Neara’s technology to focus its investments strategically and cost-effectively and to continue to advance safety, reliability and resilience for the benefit of its approximately 2.8 million customers. Neara’s AI-enabled simulation and analytics platform are expected to help CenterPoint reduce customer outages and accelerate restoration efforts across its system.

“Leveraging technology and AI to deliver better outcomes for our customers and communities is a significant part of the commitment we made after Hurricane Beryl,” said CenterPoint President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Wells. “By simulating the potential impact of severe weather events on our infrastructure and customers, Neara’s platform and tools will inform our plans and actions before, during and after major weather events to help reduce the impact and duration of power outages. Understanding how weather scenarios and their risks could affect our operations will position us to be several steps ahead on our preparedness and response.”

Robert Brook, Neara Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with CenterPoint as they lead the charge in addressing today’s most existential energy challenges. Our 3D digital modeling technology will help CenterPoint proactively reduce customer outages by simulating severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, heat waves and flash floods, and their potential impact on the utility’s infrastructure.”

Neara’s technology will also support CenterPoint’s ongoing efforts to address higher-risk vegetation along power lines, as well as identify critical equipment upgrades, including pole replacements or reinforcements, quickly and efficiently. Additionally, Neara’s predictive technology will help CenterPoint prioritize specific assets and locations where grid hardening improvements will help optimize system-wide benefit. As targeted system upgrades are completed, CenterPoint will be able to quantify performance increases at the individual asset level and forecast, deliver and measure resilience improvements.

In late August 2024, CenterPoint announced the completion, ahead of schedule, of core resiliency actions as part of the first phase of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), which included a series of targeted immediate actions to improve the resiliency of CenterPoint Houston Electric’s grid. The company also announced the boldest series of resiliency actions in its history, including a second phase of GHRI (currently underway from September 1, 2024 – June 1, 2025) which will include system hardening, strategic undergrounding, self-healing grid technology and further enhancements to the company’s outage tracker, as well as a longer-term resilience plan– which will be filed after discussions with stakeholders, elected officials, and customers – of approximately $5 billion in resiliency investment from 2026 to 2028, potentially doubling its prior planned investment.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “should,” “target,” “will” or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding our resiliency investments, timing, forgoing profits and related matters, are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and CenterPoint’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About Neara
Neara’s AI-assisted predictive modeling software helps infrastructure owners drive critical proactive decisions by conducting precise analyses in hours and days that would otherwise take months or years in the field. Engineering-grade simulation analyses reveal how assets behave in real-world environments during any scenario — empowering better, faster, more cost-effective decisions. The model supports end-to-end network governance, from routine operational decisions to emergency scenarios and major grid-hardening investments — without verification from manual surveys. Neara’s technology has modeled >1.5 million square miles of global network territory featuring ~10 million assets, across four continents from California to Ireland and Australia. Neara’s utility customers identify outage risks 9x faster, restore power 3x faster, and save thousands of field visits per year. More information is available at www.neara.com.

Media Contacts
CenterPoint Energy
Media: media.relations@centerpointenergy.com
Investors: Jackie Richert/Ben Vallejo, 713.207.6500

Neara
Media: neara@haymaker.co

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

“UPLIFT” and the “American Aspiration Tour” Aim to Improve Economic Mobility in Birmingham and Montgomery

ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Operation HOPE is proud to announce the arrival of The American Aspiration Tour (AAT) and UPLIFT, multi-city initiatives aimed at transforming financial literacy across the nation. Spearheaded by John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, the events seek to empower individuals and communities through actionable financial education, equipping underserved communities with the tools and knowledge to enhance economic mobility and close the wealth gap.

The events in Birmingham and Montgomery will take place on October 3, 2024. Each is open to the public at no cost. To register, click HERE.

“Our goal with The American Aspiration Tour and UPLIFT is to bridge the financial literacy gap, one city at a time. By creating opportunities for meaningful discussions, we aim to not only inspire change but equip communities with the skills they need to build brighter financial futures,” said John Hope Bryant. “We’re addressing the root causes of economic inequality by empowering individuals with the tools to succeed in today’s economy.”

Alabama’s financial literacy challenge is clear. According to HOPE’s Community Credit Index (CCI), the average credit score in the state is 692—one of the lowest in the nation. UPLIFT and AAT aim to tackle overarching issues head-on.  By providing residents with the knowledge and tools to better manage credit, save, and invest, Operation HOPE aims to build a more financially resilient community. Other HOPE CCI data reveals the positive impact of HOPE’s local programs, including:

Birmingham:

Average beginning credit score for clients – 587Average increase in credit score for clients – +44 pointsMedian reduction of client debt – –$1,064Median increase in client savings – +$915

Montgomery:

Average beginning credit score for clients – 583Average increase in credit score for clients – +36 ptsMedian reduction of client debt – $496Median increase in client savings – +$1000

In addition to Alabama, the tours will make stops in other states including Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, among others. Each will feature thought-provoking conversations with local leaders about financial empowerment, economic justice, and the role of financial literacy in building a more equitable society. AAT events will also spotlight Financial Literacy for All, the best-selling book by Mr. Bryant, which explores critical solutions for creating widespread economic prosperity.

“Operation HOPE is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partner our community needs,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham. “Financial literacy is the foundation of economic success, and I am excited that Birmingham is part of this impactful movement.”

“Money won’t solve everything, but I believe increasing financial literacy can go a long way in improving outcomes for our citizens,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.  “We want to improve the financial health of families and individuals in a manner that leads to long-term economic success. Our partnership with Operation HOPE is key to achieving this goal.”

With financial inclusion at its core, Operation HOPE is determined to ensure that every event participant leaves inspired, with a deeper understanding of budgeting, investing, homeownership, and credit management— all of which are key pillars to building generation wealth.

About the American Aspiration Tour
The American Aspiration Tour (AAT) is a multi-city event designed to increase financial literacy across the United States. This tour, led by Operation HOPE, will empower individuals and communities through financial education, with the ultimate goal of enhancing economic mobility and closing the wealth gap. AAT includes a series of meaningful conversations with leaders across the nation. It will also serve as a platform to highlight “Financial Literacy for All,” the latest book by Operation HOPE founder, John Hope Bryant. Visit https://operationhope.org/american-aspiration-tour/ for more info.

About HOPE UPLIFT
UPLIFT, an acronym for ‘Understanding, Promoting, and Leveraging Financial Tools,’ embodies Operation HOPE’s commitment to equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve financial well-being. Through a series of engaging events hosted by HOPE and other dedicated local partners, such as the US Small Business Administration, UPLIFT aims to introduce and educate communities about its ongoing programs nationwide.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has tirelessly pursued its mission of advancing economic empowerment and opportunity across America. Through innovative programs like HOPE Inside, recognized by American Banker magazine, the organization has impacted over 4 million individuals and facilitated nearly $4 billion in economic activity in underserved communities. Its initiatives have transformed lives by transitioning check-cashing customers to banking, renters to homeowners, and minimum wage workers to living wage earners. Recently honored with Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award and maintaining a top 4-star charity rating from Charity Navigator, Operation HOPE remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and driving entrepreneurship. Join the organization in leveling the economic playing field through The 1865 Project. Learn more at OperationHOPE.org and join the conversation on social media at @operationHOPE.

Contacts:
Kevin Boucher, for AAT
kevin.boucher@operationhope.org

Lance Triggs, for HOPE UPLIFT
lance.triggs@operationhope.org

Lalohni Campbell, Operation HOPE
LA@persemediagroup.com
(404) 593-7145

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SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.