# AMD Helios Powers Azure AI Inference
_Microsoft is deploying AMD's Helios AI inference platform on Azure, integrating new EPYC CPUs and Instinct GPUs to power frontier models and AI services._
**Published:** 2026-07-20
**Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/hardware/amd-helios-powers-azure-ai-inference
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Microsoft is deepening its strategic partnership with AMD, announcing a major deployment of AMD's Helios Rackscale Solution on Azure. This move aims to bolster AI inference capabilities for Microsoft's own frontier models, its growing roster of AI customers, and its suite of [Microsoft Azure AI](/ai-news/technology/2026/microsoft-bulks-up-azure-ai-with-amd) services.

Azure AI InferenceDriver

From the article 6 mentionsThis move aims to bolster AI inference capabilities for Microsoft's own frontier models, its growing roster of AI customers, and its suite of Microsoft Azure AI services.needsAMD Helios PlatformCoreFrom the article 4 mentionsThe integration centers on the AMD Helios platform, a comprehensive solution designed for large-scale AI training and inference.Instinct MI455X GPUsCoreintegrating powerful AMD Instinct GPUs for accelerated AI computationsFrom the articleHelios combines AMD Instinct MI455X GPUs, AMD Instinct MI455X accelerators, AMD EPYC "Venice" CPUs, Pensando networking technology, and the ROCm software stack.EPYC "Venice" CPUsCoredeploying 6th Gen AMD EPYC processors for core computing powerFrom the article 2 mentionsHelios combines AMD Instinct MI455X GPUs, AMD Instinct MI455X accelerators, AMD EPYC "Venice" CPUs, Pensando networking technology, and the ROCm software stack.ROCm Software StackCoreutilizing AMD's open software for GPU programming and AI developmentFrom the articleHelios combines AMD Instinct MI455X GPUs, AMD Instinct MI455X accelerators, AMD EPYC "Venice" CPUs, Pensando networking technology, and the ROCm software stack.Enhanced AI ServicesOutcomeFrom the articleThis move aims to bolster AI inference capabilities for Microsoft's own frontier models, its growing roster of AI customers, and its suite of Microsoft Azure AI services.strengthensNew Azure VMsEffectFrom the article 5 mentionsThese VMs, Azure HDv2 and HXv2, are targeted at agentic AI, data pipelines, and semiconductor design workloads, respectively, expanding Azure's AMD EPYC portfolio.Strategic PartnershipContextdeepening collaboration between Microsoft and AMD for future innovationsFrom the articleMicrosoft is deepening its strategic partnership with AMD, announcing a major deployment of AMD's Helios Rackscale Solution on Azure.
The integration centers on the [AMD Helios](https://ir.amd.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1291/microsoft-to-deploy-next-gen-amd-instinct-and-amd-epyc-processors-as-the-companies-expand-their-long-term-strategic-partnership) platform, a comprehensive solution designed for large-scale AI training and inference. Helios combines AMD Instinct MI455X GPUs, [AMD Instinct MI455X](/ai-news/semiconductors/2026/amd-hpe-ai-infrastructure-an-open-ai-play) accelerators, AMD EPYC "Venice" CPUs, Pensando networking technology, and the ROCm software stack.

Microsoft will also introduce two new virtual machine series on Azure, powered by 6th Gen [AMD EPYC "Venice"](/ai-news/semiconductors/2026/amd-epyc-venice-hits-tsmc-2nm) processors. These VMs, Azure HDv2 and HXv2, are targeted at agentic AI, data pipelines, and semiconductor design workloads, respectively, expanding Azure's AMD EPYC portfolio.

The collaboration extends to the network layer, with Microsoft increasing its use of AMD Pensando DPUs. This integration, coupled with Azure Boost, is designed to enhance cloud networking performance and efficiency.

AMD expects to begin shipping Helios to customers, including Microsoft, in the latter half of 2026.
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Original analysis from [startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai), the #1 AI startup directory.