Akash Network has launched its Mainnet 6 upgrade, marking a significant milestone in the world’s first decentralized GPU marketplace era. This upgrade comes at a crucial time as global GPU shortages have intensified due to high demand for AI model training. Overclock Labs, the firm behind Akash Network, has already incorporated over 130 GPUs into the network.
The boost in GPU capacity is attributed to Foundry, a decentralized infrastructure operator known for the world’s largest Bitcoin mining pool. Foundry has added a cluster of 48 NVIDIA A100s to the network and plans to introduce 16 NVIDIA H100s soon.
Akash Network offers a unique opportunity for computer owners to earn passive income by renting out their unused GPU power. By connecting those with spare GPU power to companies or individuals in need of it for AI training, Akash Network’s cloud computing marketplace allows anyone with a computer to become a cloud provider. Users earn cash through the platform’s in-house Akash Network (AKT) token.
While the AKT token is currently trading at $0.90, it reached an all-time high of $8.08 in April 2021, suggesting potential for growth. Setting up a computer to participate in the decentralized GPU marketplace is relatively straightforward, as users simply install Akash Network’s software, which taps into their GPU when it’s not in use without affecting regular computer activities or performance.
Despite being operational for just one week, Akash Network’s GPU capacity is expected to expand as more providers join the network. This open-source approach prevents a small group of major corporations from monopolizing GPU resources, unlike the dominance seen in the traditional cloud market by Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Alibaba. With substantial underutilization in many of Akash’s data centers, Overclock Labs believes expansion will not be difficult.
Greg Osuri, the founder of Akash, has hinted at the company’s access to thousands of H100s and A100s, and they are committed to optimizing for a utilization rate of 70% to 90%. This incremental supply strategy, combined with rising demand, signals a promising future for decentralized GPU marketplaces.
The expansion of Akash Network and its commitment to affordability present an appealing proposition for AI developers seeking GPU decentralization. As the network continues to evolve and overcome adoption hurdles, it has the potential to disrupt traditional cloud giants and usher in a new era of decentralized cloud computing.