Eindhoven-based startup Axelera has raised $68mn as it looks to take its AI chip business global. One of the lead investors is Samsung Catalyst, the venture arm of semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics.  

Axelera is developing chips, known as AI processing units (AIPUs), that enable computer vision and generative AI in devices like robots and drones. The chips facilitate so-called edge AI — when AI models are deployed inside devices, instead of linking to them via the cloud.  

Axelera builds the AIPUs as well as the software that runs them. Dubbed Metis, the startup claims that it is the world’s most powerful AI chip for edge devices.

The AI chips are, in effect, tiny data centres located within the device. By negating the need to upload or download data to a centralised cloud server, the chips speed up data processing. They also minimises energy use. 

What’s more, Axelera leverages what’s known as in-memory computing. That’s when data is stored in the main memory (RAM) instead of on traditional disk storage. This makes for even faster data processing and retrieval. 

The startup’s chips thus deliver high computing performance at a fraction of the cost and energy consumption of centralised AI processing units, said the startup.   

“To truly harness the value of AI, organisations need a solution that delivers high-performance and efficiency while balancing cost,” said Fabrizio Del Maffeo, co-founder and CEO at Axelera AI. 

Axelera claims it has built the world’s most powerful AI processing unit for edge devices. Credit: Axelera
Democratising AI 

Axelera’s chips make use of the instruction set architecture (ISA) RISC-V. An ISA acts like a bridge between the hardware and the software. It specifies both what the processor is capable of doing as well as how it gets done. 

RISC-V is a low-cost, efficient, and flexible ISA that can be customised to specific use cases. Crucially, unlike most ISAs, it is open source, which means no single entity controls it.

“Our mission is to democratise access to artificial intelligence,” said Del Maffeo. 

By specialising in edge AI, and developing both the software and hardware components, Axelera looks to give itself a competitive edge in a booming AI chip market dominated by the likes of Nvidia, Intel, and IBM. 

Speaking of IBM, Del Maffeo, who previously worked at Belgium-based tech lab Imec, co-founded Axelera alongside Evangelos Eleftheriou, a former veteran at the American tech giant.   

Axelera plans to put its AI processing units into full production in the latter half of this year. It looks to expand its presence in North America, where it already has an office, and into new industries such as automotive, digital healthcare, and surveillance. The startup is also exploring the development of high performance AI chips for data centres and supercomputers. 

Hailing from Eindhoven, Axelera exists in one of the most mature semiconductor tech hubs in the world. The city is home to Philips-founded NXP Semiconductors and ASML, which produces chip-making machines for almost every major semiconductor manufacturer on Earth. 

This latest funding round brings Axelera’s total raised to $120mn. New investors include the Samsung Catalyst Fund, European Innovation Council Fund, Innovation Industries Strategic Partnership Fund, and Invest-NL.

The warm weather finally arrived! But before we begin to wind things down for the summer months, let’s catch up once more with the latest developments in Dutch tech. 

Of course, in our mind, the best news from the week that passed was our own TNW Conference taking place in Zaandam, just outside of Amsterdam. (Next year we are back at one of our favourite locations at NDSM island, grab your 2-for-1 tickets now!) 

This year featured some of the best keynote speakers and panellists in our 18-year history, along with rich networking opportunities and the signature festival feel that TNW is known for.

What we are writing about

What we are reading 

Dutch Dealroom rival Bounce Watch secures pre-Seed funding (Silicon Canals)
Noord-Nederland helpt ASML voor Nederland te behouden (Computable.nl)
Europe is at risk of over-restricting AI and falling behind US and China, Dutch prince says (CNBC) 

Dutch startup of the week: Source.ag
Rien Kamman and Ernst van Bruggen founded Source.ag in 2020. Credit: Source.ag

Source.ag is a Dutch agtech startup founded in 2020 by Rien Kamman and Ernst van Bruggen. The company specialises in AI-driven solutions for greenhouse farming to address global food shortages while conserving water usage. 

Source.ag recently launched a new product called Source Cultivate which supports growers in their decision-making process with accurate yield forecasting up to eight weeks before harvest. It claims a 90% accuracy in yield forecasts three to four weeks out, and has been developed in collaboration with top-tier growers. 

Other products track and improve cultivation processes, streamline and enhance greenhouse operations, and also include an autonomous irrigation system which uses AI to adjust irrigation in real-time. 

The startup recently expanded into North America, opening an office in Chicago. It has raised a total of approximately $37mn to date. 

Our weekly coverage of Dutch tech news will be taking a break over the summer. If you have any ideas of what we should feature, a particularly interesting startup to keep an eye on, or what kind of news you would like to see covered, drop us a line and let us know. See you again in September!

In the pixelated world of Stardew Valley, where crops reign supreme and farmers strive for prosperity, one particular fruit holds a special place of honor: the Ancient Fruit. This crop, being very rare and precious, is much wanted by players. This is because of its high-earning prospects and special features.

This article will focus on everything you should know about the Ancient Fruit in Stardew Valley, from getting the seeds to getting the most out of them.

Introduction to Ancient Fruit

The Ancient Fruit is a rarity; it is the only blue fruit that requires as long as an entire season to fully ripen. While it takes comparatively long to develop, it is worth much more than simple crops. This is why it is so valuable. Many players desire it.

With proper knowledge and strategy, farmers can draw the strength of Ancient Fruit. This will help them increase their income and make their farming business level up.

Acquiring Ancient Fruit Seeds

The road to Ancient Fruit starts by getting Ancient Seeds that give this fruit life. There are several methods to obtain Ancient Seeds in Stardew Valley:

The Traveling Merchant: As you will be moving along the north end of the Cindersap Forest, remember to look for The Traveling Merchant who comes around every Friday and Sunday. Ranging from 100g to 1000g, the merchant might add a pack of Ancient Seeds as part of their inventory.
Donating the Ancient Seed Artifact: Pursue the giant terrain of Stardew Valley to get the Ancient Seed artifact. Should you find one, donate it to the Museum and you will receive a package of Ancient Seeds and the recipe for cultivating more.
Seed Maker: The Seed Maker can be used for all of the processing of crops and with a chance to collect Ancient Fruit Seeds. Even though most crops usually produce seeds similar to the input, there is a small chance of receiving Ancient Fruit Seeds. This makes the process fruit some.

Cultivating Ancient Fruit

After owning the Ancient Fruit Seed, it is time to start the journey to cultivation. Don’t put the seeds of the crop in the ground during the wintertime, because Ancient Fruit needs a good climate. You can do this during any other season.

Please be patient, because it will require nearly 28 days for the seeds to reach full maturity and develop into plants. Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile since it is one of the most profitable crops. As soon as the Ancient Fruit plant matures it will continue to bear fruit every week. An experienced farmer could make a steady living out of it.

For those who want to continue cultivation throughout year-round, use the greenhouse. Here the climate remains ideal, no matter the season. Using the seeds of ancient fruits for the greenhouse gives farmers a continuous harvest. In the long run, it also encourages them to boost their crop output for better economic gain.

Maximizing the Value of The Ancient Fruit

Ancient Fruit holds a significant value. Both as a raw item as well as when processed into various products. Here are some ways to maximize the value of Ancient Fruit:

Selling Raw Fruit: Antique Fruit proves to be a sizable profit, the price depending on the quality. Whether it be for normal, silver, gold, or iridium quality, Ancient Fruit farmers can expect significant profits.
Processing into Wine or Jam: However, the Value of Ancient Fruit can also be improved by processing into the Wine or Jam. The processed Ancient Fruit products are brought higher prices and can also be further aged in the casks to increase their quality
Completing Bundles: donate the Ancient Fruit to fulfill specific Community Center bundles. In return, you will get access to the Movie Theatre or new locations.
Crafting Genie Pants: Get creative by combining Ancient Fruit with cloth at a sewing machine to form dyeable Genie Pants. This adds some flair to the whole ensemble of your character’s clothes. It can also be used as a blue dye in tailoring.

Q&A:

1. What is Ancient Fruit in Stardew Valley?

Ans: Ancient fruit is one of the most valuable produce in Stardew Valley, as it pays the highest and has a relatively long harvest start. It is a particular kind of seed that as long as they are nurtured, they grow into plants that produce Ancient Fruit which can be sold for profit.

2. How do I get Ancient Fruit seeds?

Ans: Stardew Valley provides the players with multiple ways to get the ancestors’ seeds. One of the easiest ways to earn them is to get them as a reward for completing specific tasks or quests. Be on the lookout for a chance to obtain Ancient Fruit seeds as a reward for getting a job well done on the farm.

3. Can I grow the Ancient Fruit on the Nintendo Switch version?

Ans: Yes, these Fruits can be cultivated and grown on every platform publishing Stardew Valley, including the Nintendo Switch. Regardless of whether you play on a PC, console, or mobile, you can have fun growing the Ancient Fruit tree on your farm.

4. Is there any special event or location related to the Ancient Fuirt?

Ans: Yes, during the Winter season, adventurers can check out the Night Market to meet with sellers who probably have Ancient Fruit seeds or other Ancient Fruit items for them. Don’t miss this occasion to add Ancient Fruit seeds and other worthwhile items to your farm.

5. Does the Artisan profession have any advantages in the Ancient Fruit farming?

Ans: The Artisan occupation gives more value to the artisan goods, like the wine made from the Ancient Fruits. Thus, the farmers can earn an even higher fortune by harvesting their crops.

Bare metal gives you total control over the hypervisor for maximum flexibility and resource optimization. Dedicated hosts keep things simple with the cloud provider managing the VMs for you.

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Let’s imagine you’re the owner of a fastest-growing e-commerce business. Your online store is getting more and more traffic every day, and you need to scale up your server infrastructure to handle the increased load. You’ve decided to move your operations to the cloud, but you’re unsure whether to go with bare metal servers or dedicated hosts. How does it impact your growth of business?

What are Bare Metal Servers & Dedicated Hosts, and what is the main difference?Bare Metal vs. Dedicated Host

Both bare metal servers and dedicated hosts are physical machines located in a cloud provider’s data center. The main difference lies in who manages the hypervisor layer – the software that allows you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server.

What is a Hypervisor and What Does It Do?

A hypervisor is a software layer that creates and runs virtual machines (VMs) on a physical host machine. It allows multiple operating systems to share the same hardware resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage. Each VM runs its own operating system and applications, isolated from the others, providing a secure and efficient way to run multiple workloads on a single physical server.

Types of Hypervisors Used in Cloud Data CentersType 1 (Bare-Metal) Type 2 (Hosted)Type 1 Hypervisor vs Type 2 Hypervisor

Type 1 (Bare-Metal) Hypervisors run directly on the host’s hardware, providing better performance and efficiency. Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Citrix Hypervisor.

Type 2 (Hosted) Hypervisors run on top of a host operating system, like Windows or Linux. Examples include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop.

Cloud providers often prefer Type 1 hypervisors for their data centers due to their superior performance and security.

Bare Metal vs Virtual Machines vs Containers: The Differences

When deploying a modern application stack, how do we decide which one to use? Bare Metal, VMs or Containers?

With a bare metal server, you’re essentially renting the entire physical machine from the cloud provider. However, you’re also responsible for installing and managing the hypervisor software yourself. This gives you a lot of control and flexibility. You can tweak the hypervisor settings to optimize performance, overcommit resources (like CPU and RAM) to squeeze more virtual machines onto the physical server, and have direct access to the hypervisor for monitoring, logging, and backing up your VMs.

Think of it like renting a house. You’re in charge of everything – from painting the walls to mowing the lawn. It’s a lot of work, but you get to customize the house to your exact preferences.

Feature
Bare Metal Server
Dedicated Host

Hardware
Physical server rented from cloud provider
Physical server rented from cloud provider

Hypervisor Management
Customer installs and manages the hypervisor software
Cloud provider installs and manages the hypervisor software

Hypervisor Control
Full control over hypervisor configuration settings
Limited or no control over hypervisor settings

Resource Allocation
Can overcommit CPU, RAM across VMs for efficiency
Limited ability to overcommit resources across VMs

Monitoring
Direct access to hypervisor for monitoring and logging
Rely on cloud provider’s monitoring tools

Backup/Recovery
Can backup VMs directly through hypervisor
Must use cloud provider’s backup/recovery services

Scalability
Scale VMs up/down based on available server resources
Request cloud provider to scale VMs up/down

Security
Responsible for securing the hypervisor layer
Cloud provider secures the hypervisor layer

Management Complexity
High, requires hypervisor expertise
Low, cloud provider handles hypervisor management

Pricing Model
Pay for entire physical server capacity
Pay for VM instances based on usage

Use Cases
High performance, legacy apps, regulatory compliance
General-purpose applications, simplified operations

Examples
IBM Cloud Bare Metal, AWS EC2 Bare Metal
IBM Cloud Dedicated Hosts, AWS Dedicated Hosts

Dedicated Hosts: Simplicity but Less Control

On the other hand, a dedicated host is like renting an apartment in a managed building. The cloud provider takes care of the hypervisor layer for you. All you have to do is tell them how many virtual machines you want, and they’ll set them up on the dedicated host for you. You don’t have to worry about managing the hypervisor or any of the underlying infrastructure.

The trade-off, of course, is that you have less control over the specifics. You can’t overcommit resources or tinker with the hypervisor settings. But for many businesses, the simplicity and convenience of a dedicated host are worth it.

How Companies Are Saving Millions by Migrating Away from AWS to Bare Metal Servers?

Many startups initially launch on AWS or other public clouds because it allows rapid scaling without upfront investments. But as these companies grow, the operating costs steadily rise.

Open-Source Hypervisor Alternatives

While cloud providers typically use proprietary hypervisors like VMware ESXi or Hyper-V, there are also free and open-source alternatives available, such as:

Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE): A complete open-source server virtualization management solution that includes a KVM hypervisor and a web-based management interface.Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM): A type 1 hypervisor that’s part of the Linux kernel, providing virtualization capabilities without requiring proprietary software.Xen Project Hypervisor: An open-source type 1 hypervisor that supports a wide range of guest operating systems and virtualization use cases.Which Option is Right for Your E-commerce Business?

If you have a team of skilled system administrators who love getting their hands dirty with server configurations, and you need the flexibility to fine-tune your infrastructure for optimal performance, a bare metal server might be the way to go.

However, if you’d rather focus on your core business and leave the nitty-gritty server management to the experts, a dedicated host could be a better fit. It’s a more hands-off approach, allowing you to concentrate on building and scaling your e-commerce platform without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

Should You Use Open Source Large Language Models?

The benefits, risks, and considerations associated with using open-source LLMs, as well as the comparison with proprietary models.

DevOps vs SRE vs Platform Engineering – Explained

At small companies, engineers often wear multiple hats, juggling a mix of responsibilities. Large companies have specialized teams with clearly defined roles in DevOps, SRE, and Platform Engineering.

AppHub is the exact platform that helps distribute, manage, and handle software applications or apps. Developers have these applications on their devices, where they can be developed and deployed by having a centralized location. Some Samsung users are informed with notification signals by CarrierHub and AppHub which seems to be an annoying element to most users.

This application tremendously simplifies the task of mobile companies to make software updates to their devices at their will and also has the power to track them if necessary. It does the same job as a file manager, but is the only official installer for the App Store and can organize files and categorize them.

Virtually, everyone thinks that MCM is required to monitor your data, however it is not involved in doing so. It does not get linked to your phone; instead, it uses your Android phone to supply regular updates so that your device is protected. It is okay for you to forget to turn off the notification because it does not harm the device, however, to some people, this could be disturbing.

If you are one of those who are having these kinds of problems, here are some fixes that will help you troubleshoot the Apphub processing requests error.

Be Patient for a While

The app runs in the background, not visible on your phone, and the message is sent silently without popping onto the screen. The alert may stay for a while, and it may go away after the course of the learning program is over. If your plan is not successful, attempt to do the next step.

Go to the System Control Panel and Check Whether or Not You Are Connected to the Internet

If your device has an unstable or slow internet connection, this issue will be encountered by you. In this regard, check whether you are having an uninterrupted wi-fi or data connection flow or not. Of course, make sure you monitor the usage of WiFi or cellular data to make sure that you are not running low on it.

Restart Your Computer

Turning off and turning on the device will sometimes fix the cases wherein the request pops up! It may seem easy, but it’s quite an effective method for fixing problems that can cause the request notification to appear.

Wherever it goes, it’s always better to give your device a fresh start so that you can clean up the temporary files, reset system processes, and refresh your memory simultaneously. So switch off your device in device settings or restart it and see if the issue persists.

Clear Caches and Data Storage

Sometimes the issue is caused by storage settings corrupted or app cache data buildup on the apps. So, solving the problem requires deleting the cache and data. The issue, according to the given statement, is associated with corrupted or wrong data. You can follow these steps to clear your cache and storage.

Choose Settings from the icon on your Android device.
Then choose Apps out of the menu.
From the list of the installed applications you should choose the “Carrier Hub.”
Click “Clear Cache”.
Go for the “Clear Storage” or “Clear Data” option.
To go back to your previous Settings menu, just press the Main Settings button.

The alternative is to locate the “Carrier Hub-apps-manager” icon and stop the app’s work by tapping the “Force Stop” button.

Upgrade the App

Observe the error and if the app is misbehaving make sure you keep all apps up to date to provide for optimum performance of the app and error-fixing. Besides, we would like you to be certain that Carrier Hub does not have an outdated version which is perhaps the ground for the problem of copying the “Apphub requests are being processed” notification. It could be checking for updates on the carrier hub app or Google Play Store app might resolve the difficulty.

Disable Notification on Carrier Hub

In case Carrier Hub on your device keeps giving you problems, the simplest solution may be to turn off constant notifications so the alerts won’t be displayed on your device. To accomplish this and turn off the pop-ups, follow the steps given below.

On your device, open Settings, tap on Notifications, and then turn off Notifications of Carrier Hub or you can choose the option to mute notifications. The processing requests will be shown no more and you will mostly be sorted by now on Samsung phones or other mobiles or your PC.

Factory Reset Your Device

After all you have done if it still does not function properly, the factory reset might be a last resort that might help. This can also be achieved on your system if you open the ‘PowerShell’ window, or go to adb devices, and provide it with the necessary adb commands to uninstall the app altogether. But beware, doing the reset will remove all your data from the machine, so ensure that you have a safe place before you proceed with the reset.

These are the troubleshooting steps that will help you easily get rid of the carrier hub’s processing requests notification and mcm client requests popping up in the top-right corner or any blank area. There are other minor elements that you might want to check if the issue persists, like USB cable connection, sprint network, or T-mobile SIM issues.

We have only a few months until September which has been officially booked by Apple to launch its iconic products, led by the iPhone lineup. I think if you are even a little bit interested in technology, you must already notice the buzz all over the internet and social media, filled with people’s predictions, guesses, early “confirmations” about Apple plans and leaks, a lot of leaks, from software updates to hardware wireframes. Yes, we love Apple but does it really love us back with such determination?

Okay, the figurative speech aside, there is a big group of people who don’t feel satisfied with what Apple does. Don’t get this wrong, they are still ready to pay more than a thousand dollars for a new iPhone, but the innovation they expect is coming very slowly, at least compared to Samsung, Apple’s biggest rival, which has already introduced its AI capabilities.

It’s important to consider the truth that Apple is not trying to impress with innovations but with safe and intuitive products, which require time to implement and then only pass to the customer. Meanwhile, someone is sitting in front of their Macbook and trying to play the latest game but gets more and more convinced that other PCs may perform way too well, for instance. So, let’s start with this part.

Let’s be real – Apple products excel in many areas, but hardcore gaming performance just isn’t one of their strong suits. I’m an Apple super-fan who loves their signature premium design and intuitive user experiences. But when it comes to running demanding game titles, even Apple’s top-tier hardware gets outpaced by custom gaming PCs.

If you wonder about the difference between Mac Vs. Windows gaming experiences, just look at the experience of playing a graphically intense open-world game like Cyberpunk 2077 on a maxed-out M1 Max MacBook Pro versus a high-end gaming device. While the $3,499 MacBook can handle the game at lower settings around 30 fps, a similarly priced $3,000 PC with an RTX 4090 GPU pumps out over 100 fps at ultra settings with raytracing enabled. You’re talking about the difference between choppy, compromised visuals and a completely immersive experience.

The reason is simple – gaming PCs are purpose-built systems optimized for these 3D workloads. They pack powerful discrete GPUs like Nvidia’s latest 40-series cards with up to 24GB of video memory, liquid cooling setups to sustain peak performance, and ultra-fast M.2 NVMe SSD storage to minimize load times. Apple’s all-in-one designs with integrated graphics simply can’t match that level of raw power.

I’m utterly obsessed with the Apple ecosystem, but there’s no denying Spotify’s streaming service seems to consistently out-innovate the music discovery experience versus Apple Music. While Apple has drastically improved their offering, Spotify’s cutting-edge data science and recommendation engines give them a decided advantage.

Take Spotify’s advanced ‘Audio AI’ features like their AI DJ or the all-new ‘AI Utterance’ voice models. These use machine learning to analyze your listening patterns, demographics, and taste profiles to craft incredibly personalized DJ commentary and seamless playlist transitions tailored just for you. It’s like having a knowledgeable music expert as your private curator.

By comparison, Apple Music’s recommendations still feel more rudimentary and standardized. Their approaches like grouping playlists by moods or genres just doesn’t achieve that hyper-personalized user experience Spotify nails so well.

The user numbers underline Spotify’s dominance too. As of Q3 2023, Spotify boasts over 236 million paying subscribers globally versus Apple Music’s estimated 93 million (as of 2024). That incredible scale means Spotify can ingest vastly more listening data to train their AI models. Industry data indicates Spotify tracks over 79 billion monthly plays across its platform versus Apple’s 35 billion.

So while both are excellent services, for music superfans craving that next-gen AI-curated experience, Spotify’s aggressive emphasis on personalization AI gives them the decided edge – at least for now.

We all saw that splashy Meta keynote video where Mark Zuckerberg threw unmistakable shade at Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Calling the $3,499 device “expensive” while claiming Meta’s $1,499 Quest Pro offers a superior extended reality (XR) experience, Zuck was clearly attempting to get out in front of Apple’s invasion into his virtual territory.

In reality, both the Vision Pro and Quest Pro represent enormously expensive bets on an as-yet-unproven consumer XR market. While Meta enjoys a significant cost advantage thanks to their content-neutral, open ecosystem approach, Apple’s track record for premium industrial design and obsessive hardware optimization could give Vision Pro’s experience a serious edge.

Take the Vision Pro’s novel aluminum and curved glass design, for example. With an internal fan, vents, and over a dozen cameras and sensors, it represents a technical marvel of miniaturization and ergonomics – hallmarks of Apple’s renowned hardware chops. The Pro’s ultra high-res displays also output at a silky 120Hz refresh rate for life-like visual fidelity.

By contrast, Meta’s plastic Quest Pro headset looks comparatively toy-ish and low-rent, with LCD panels that max out at 90Hz and less than half the number of cameras. But as always with Apple products, that seamless user experience comes at a premium cost.

Suppose, as a small business owner, you’ve worked hard to build an e-commerce website that showcases your unique products. Your website is gaining traction, and you’re starting to see a steady increase in customer traffic. However, with this growth comes a new challenge – scalability.

Credit: Melody Onyeocha on Dribble

Whenever a customer clicks your site’s “Buy Now” button, your web application needs to process the order instantly, update the inventory, and send a confirmation email. But what happens when hundreds of customers start placing orders simultaneously? Your current server-based architecture simply can’t keep up, leading to slow response times, frustrated customers, and lost sales.

So you need a more scalable solution for your web application. This is where serverless computing comes in, allowing you to focus on code rather than infrastructure.

What is FaaS (Functions as a Service)?

Functions as a Service (FaaS) is a cloud computing service that allows you to run your code in response to specific events or requests, without the need to manage the underlying infrastructure. With FaaS, you simply write the individual functions (or “microservices”) that make up your application, and the cloud provider takes care of provisioning servers, scaling resources, and managing the runtime environment.

The benefits of FaaS:Pay-per-use: You only pay for the compute time when your functions are executed, rather than paying for always-on server capacity. Automatic scaling: The cloud provider automatically scales your functions up or down based on incoming traffic, ensuring your application can handle sudden spikes in demand. Focus on code: With the infrastructure management handled by the cloud provider, you can focus solely on writing the business logic for your application.

FaaS is specifically focused on building and running applications as a set of independent functions or microservices. Major cloud providers like AWS (Lambda), Microsoft Azure (Functions), and Google Cloud (Cloud Functions) offer FaaS platforms that allow developers to write and deploy individual functions without managing the underlying infrastructure.

What is Serverless?

Serverless is a broader cloud computing model that involves FaaS but also includes other fully managed services like databases (e.g., AWS DynamoDB, Azure Cosmos DB, Google Cloud Datastore), message queues (e.g., AWS SQS, Azure Service Bus, Google Cloud Pub/Sub), and storage (e.g., AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, Google Cloud Storage).

In a serverless architecture, the cloud provider is responsible for provisioning, scaling, and managing the entire backend infrastructure required to run your application.

The benefits of Serverless Computing:Reduced operational overhead: With no servers to manage, you can focus entirely on building your application without worrying about infrastructure. Event-driven architecture: Serverless applications are designed around event triggers, allowing you to react to user actions, data changes, or scheduled events in real time. Seamless scalability: Serverless platforms automatically scale your application’s resources up and down based on demand, with no additional configuration required on your part.

Feature
FaaS
Serverless

Infrastructure Management
Handles provisioning and scaling of servers/containers for your functions
Handles provisioning and scaling of the entire backend infrastructure, including servers, databases, message queues, etc.

Pricing Model
Pay-per-execution (cost per function invocation)
Pay-per-use (cost per resource consumption, e.g., CPU, memory, data transfer)

Scalability
Automatically scales functions up and down based on demand
Automatically scales the entire application infrastructure up and down based on demand

Stateful vs. Stateless
Functions are typically stateless
Supports both stateful and stateless services

Event-Driven Architecture
Supports event-driven execution of functions
Natively supports event-driven architecture with managed event services

Third-Party Service Integration
Integrates with other cloud services through API calls
Seamless integration with a rich ecosystem of managed cloud services

Development Focus
Concentrate on writing the application logic in the form of functions
Concentrate on building the overall application structure and leveraging managed services

Vendor Lock-in
Some vendor lock-in, as functions are typically tied to a specific FaaS platform
Potential for vendor lock-in, as Serverless often relies on a broader set of managed services

Examples
AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, Google Cloud Functions, IBM Cloud Functions
AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB), Azure (Functions, Cosmos DB, Event Grid), Google Cloud (Functions, Datastore, Pub/Sub), IBM Cloud (Functions, Object Storage, Databases)

Infrastructure Management
Handles provisioning and scaling of servers/containers for your functions
Handles provisioning and scaling of the entire backend infrastructure, including servers, databases, message queues, etc.

1. Scope

FaaS is a specific type of serverless architecture that is focused on building and running applications as a set of independent functions. Serverless computing, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a range of cloud computing models, including FaaS, BaaS, and others.

2. Granularity

FaaS is a more fine-grained approach to building and running applications, as it allows developers to break down applications into smaller, independent functions. Serverless computing, on the other hand, can be used to build and run entire applications, not just individual functions.

3. Pricing

FaaS providers typically charge based on the number of function executions and the duration of those executions. Serverless computing providers, on the other hand, may charge based on a variety of factors, such as the number of API requests, the amount of data stored, and the number of users.

Major cloud providers that offer FaaS and serverless computing services:AWS Lambda – AWS Lambda is a FaaS platform that allows developers to run code without provisioning or managing servers. Lambda supports a variety of programming languages, including Python, Node.js, Java, and C#.Azure Functions – Azure Functions is a serverless computing service that allows developers to build event-driven applications using a variety of programming languages, including C#, Java, JavaScript, and Python.Google Cloud Functions – Google Cloud Functions is a FaaS platform that allows developers to run code in response to specific events, such as changes to a Cloud Storage bucket or the creation of a Pub/Sub message.IBM Cloud Functions – IBM Cloud Functions is a serverless computing platform that allows developers to build and run event-driven applications using a variety of programming languages, including Node.js, Swift, and Java.Oracle Cloud Functions – Oracle Cloud Functions is a FaaS platform that allows developers to build and run serverless applications using a variety of programming languages, including Python, Node.js, and Java.Choosing Between FaaS and ServerlessUse FaaS for:Opt for serverless computing when:You’re deploying complex applications that require a unified environment for all components.You want to reduce the operational overhead of managing servers while maintaining control over application configurations.

Understand with an Example

Suppose you want to build a simple web application that allows users to upload images and apply filters to them. With a traditional server-based architecture, you would need to provision and manage servers, install and configure software, and handle scaling and availability. This can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you’re just starting out.

With a serverless architecture, on the other hand, you can focus on writing the code for the application logic, and let the cloud provider handle the rest.

For instance, you could use AWS Lambda (FaaS) to run the code that processes the uploaded images, AWS S3 for storage, and other AWS services like API Gateway and DynamoDB as part of the overall serverless architecture. The cloud provider would automatically scale the resources up or down based on demand, and you would only pay for the resources you actually use.

All FaaS is serverless, but not all serverless is FaaS.

FaaS is a type of serverless architecture, but the two terms are not the same. FaaS is all about creating and running applications as separate functions, while serverless computing is a wider term that covers different cloud computing models. In other words, FaaS is a specific way of doing serverless computing that involves breaking down an application into small, independent functions that can be run separately. Serverless computing, on the other hand, is a more general approach that can involve using different cloud services to build and run an application without having to manage servers.

The major cloud providers offer varying levels of tooling and community support for their FaaS and serverless offerings. AWS has the largest community and a mature set of tools like AWS SAM for local development and testing of serverless applications.

Microsoft Azure has good tooling integration with Visual Studio Code, while Google Cloud’s tooling is still catching up. A strong developer ecosystem and community support can be crucial when building and maintaining serverless applications.

FaaS Platform

Feature
Lambda
Azure Functions
Cloud Functions

Arm64 architecture

Compiled binary deployment

Wildcard SSL certificate free

Serverless KV store
DynamoDB
CosmosDB
Datastore

Serverless SQL
Aurora Serverless
Azure SQL
BigQuery

IaC deployment templates
SAM, CloudFormation
ARM, Bicep
GDM

IaC drift detection

Single shot stack deployment

Developement

Feature
Lambda
Azure Functions
Cloud Functions

Virtualized local execution

FaaS dev tools native for arm64

Go SDK support

PHP SDK support

VSCode tooling

Dev tools native for Apple Silicon

Feature
Lambda
Azure Functions
Cloud Functions

Reddit community members
278,455
141,924
46,415

Stack Overflow members
256,700
216,100
54,300

Videos on YouTube channel
16,308
1,475
4,750

Twitter/X followers
2.2 M
1 M
533 K

GitHub stars for JS SDK
7.5 K
1.9 K
2.8 K

GitHub stars for .NET SDK
2 K
5 K
908

GitHub stars for Python SDK
8.7 K
2.7 K
4.6 K

GitHub stars for Go SDK
8.5 K
1.5 K
3.6 K

Runtimes

Runtime
Lambda
Azure Functions
Cloud Functions

Custom (Linux)

Custom (Windows)

Python

Node.js

PHP

Ruby

Java

.NET

Go

Rust

C/C++

Serverless AI

Provider
Lambda
Azure Functions
Cloud Functions

Open AI

Gemini

Anthropic

Meta Llama2

Cohere

AI21

Amazon Titan

Mistral

Stability (SDXL)

Computer Vision

Explore the major upgrades, exciting new features, and enhancements in Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS, including performance improvements, security updates, and extended support.

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Ubuntu has long been a favourite among developers and system administrators for its stability, security, and ease of use. With the release of Ubuntu Server Core 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), there are several exciting updates and improvements over its predecessor, Ubuntu Server Core 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish).

Let’s see what exciting changes this latest release brings to the table.

Linux Kernel and System Updates

First things first, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with Linux kernel 6.8, which is a major upgrade over the 5.15 kernel used in 22.04 LTS. This new kernel promises better performance, improved hardware support, and stronger security measures.

systemd has also been updated – from version 249 in Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS to 255.4 in 24.04 LTS. This update will ensure smoother service management and faster boot performance.

Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Kernel Version
5.15
6.8

Performance
Standard
Enhanced

Hardware Support
Limited
Improved

Performance Engineering

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings several improvements to performance:

Performance tools are now pre-enabled and pre-loaded, allowing you to use them right away.Low-latency kernel features have been merged into the default kernel, reducing task scheduling delays.Frame pointers are enabled by default on 64-bit architectures, enabling accurate and complete flame graphs for performance engineers.bpftrace is now a standard tool alongside existing profiling utilities.

Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Performance Tools
Basic
Pre-enabled

Low-latency Kernel Features
No
Yes

Frame Pointers
No
Yes

bpftrace
No
Yes

Security Enhancements

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS takes security very seriously, and you’ll find significant improvements in this area:

Free security maintenance for the main repository has been extended to 5 years, with an option to add 5 more years and include the universe repository via Ubuntu Pro.A legacy support add-on is now available for organizations that require long-term stability beyond 10 years.

Security Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Free Security Maintenance
5 years
5 years + 5 optional

Legacy Support
No
Yes

Support Lifespan and Upgrades

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with an extended support lifespan and improved upgrade options:

Support duration has been increased to 5 years, with the option to extend it further.Automatic upgrades will be offered to users of Ubuntu 23.10 and 22.04 LTS when 24.04.1 LTS is released.

Feature/Support
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Support Duration
5 years (specific editions)
5 years + optional extension

Automatic Upgrades
No
Yes (for 23.10 and 22.04)

New Features and Package Updates

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings a few exciting new features and package updates:

Year 2038 support has been added for the armhf architecture.Linux kernel 6.8 and systemd v255.4 are the latest versions included.

New Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Year 2038 Support
No
Yes

Linux Kernel Version
5.15
6.8

Systemd Version
249
255.4

Application and Service Improvements

Several key applications and services have received updates in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:

Nginx has been updated to version 1.24, offering better support for modern web protocols and improved performance.OpenLDAP has been upgraded to version 2.6.7, bringing bug fixes and enhancements.LXD is no longer pre-installed, reducing the initial footprint, but will be installed upon first use.Monitoring plugins have been updated to version 2.3.5, including multiple enhancements and new features for better system monitoring.

Service/Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Nginx
1.20
1.24

OpenLDAP
2.5
2.6.7

LXD
Pre-installed
Installed on use

Monitoring Plugins
2.3.2
2.3.5

Infrastructure and Deployment

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS also brings improvements to infrastructure and deployment:

The new Landscape web portal is built with Canonical’s Vanilla Framework, providing an improved API, better accessibility, and a new repository snapshot service.Enhanced management capabilities for snaps, supporting on-premises, mixed, and hybrid cloud environments.Currently Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS offers:Improved hardware support and compatibility with linux kernel 6.8Performance enhancements and faster boot timesExtended 5-year support lifespan until June 2029Stronger security with 5+5 years of maintenance, legacy support add-onSeamless upgrade path from 23.10 and 22.04 LTSUpdated packages like NGINX, OpenLDAP, and monitoring pluginsThe decision to upgrade from 22.04 LTS should consider:New hardware/peripheral compatibility needsPerformance requirements for workloadsSecurity and compliance prioritiesSupport window and maintenance needsEase of upgrade and potential downtime

Also, Testing for stability and compatibility is crucial, especially for critical applications.

Ubuntu Release Notes:Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)

Is FaaS the Same as Serverless?

Are you confused about the difference between FaaS and serverless computing? All FaaS is serverless, but not all serverless is FaaS.

How Companies Are Saving Millions by Migrating Away from AWS to Bare Metal Servers?

Many startups initially launch on AWS or other public clouds because it allows rapid scaling without upfront investments. But as these companies grow, the operating costs steadily rise.

Stock trading, from a long time now, has always been considered as one of the most complex and perhaps risky endeavors that are far better left to the large brokerage houses or… the moneyed people of the nation. This is true to an extent, but the world of digitization has opened a new way where equality is given in terms where everyone starts their financial freedom.

In today’s world, where one can decide to work remotely too, one can choose from thousands of applications and websites that provide ‘mainstream’ tools that help anyone who wants – a beginner or a large investor – make money properly, with appropriate knowledge, planning, and support from experts.

Let’s take a look at the top collaborative investment applications and websites, including their distinctive features, capabilities, and potential for both rookie and seasoned investors.

And if you’re seeking a structured pathway to unraveling the world of investments, look no further than Quantum AI website. This website is dedicated to bridging the gap between eager learners and investment education, without indulging in direct investing advice. Its primary goal is to connect those interested in investing with educational institutions that can lead them through their learning experience!

Now, on to the list!

1. Fidelity

Fidelity offers hundreds of stock, mutual fund, ETFs, bond selections and other investments; the favorite of customers due to an easy to navigate Website and many tools, including 15 calculators and real-time quotes. Another feature of Fidelity is the possibility to choose between many managed and self-managed medical expense accounts variable and fixed, recommended for investors independently or by the company on the basis of suitable for novices and experienced investors.

Although it also has many other enticing offers that are exclusively for its consumers, that particular company specifically specializes in the digital estate plan that assists in the protection and passing on of wealth to your loved ones. Besides, the trading commission which was not observed in the platform ensure the individual of another source through which they can make maximum profits The team of professional traders in the respective areas of stock trading also helps the individual in acquiring adequate knowledge on how to succeed in stock trading businesses from the teaming professional traders in the relevant fields of stock trading.

2. Robinhood

Robinhood has grown into a phenomenon in the realm of investment, reshaping upon its entrance the concept of wealth creation for millions of Americans. Since its aim is to bring Accessibility in the conventional investment, this app has erased the hoods in the nature common with monstrously expensive apps, where users can invest with as much as one dollar.

Because of the two funds’ collaborative design, users have access to more than 1,700 stocks researched extensively for easier decision making based on retrieved data and analyses. Besides, the opportunity to invest in cryptocurrencies also falls within the app’s framework, which opens the door to the vast world of digital assets in your investment arsenal.

3. Invstr

Should you be experiencing minimal capital investment for the first time or if you are new in investment, Invstr is that suitable investment app to mentor you. Through the user-friendly design and no-commission purchases, this tool eliminates the scary stuff, letting you try the possibilities without investing a lot of money.

The customized portfolios on Invstr are easy to create and constructed with the support of in-built professional advisers for one’s individual goals and level of risk. Whether you are targeting to trade U. S. stocks and ETFs or exploring to try fractional shares and cryptocurrencies, with Invstr you are going to enjoy your investing experience and witness your portfolios’ performance.

4. Betterment

If moving towards a collaborative investment app user environment is the way to go, then Betterment should be regarded as a pioneer of such an interface, featuring an utterly convenient investment solution enhanced by modern technologies. Betterment is well-known as one of the biggest percentiles of robo-advisors and controls your funds very efficiently, adjusting them for your level of risk and preferences in receiving income.

If you want to invest in climate change and socially responsible investments then you might want to give Betterment a shot. In representing the company’s and your ethical standpoint, it is good for both you and the potential generations as it contributes to the formation of a sustainable environment. Betterment currently provides a strong offering in cash management, combined with specialized features for goal setting; overall, this enables you to have a professionally-managed portfolio at a low cost.

5. Acorns

Acorns savings application has perfectly positioned itself as one of the most popular ones for a reason. This simplicity-free solution relieves the rather cumbersome process of saving and investing from the burden of being complicated; through this platform, users can automate the process of investment, do dividend reinvestment, meaning that, from this platform, you can be assured of your wealth increasing, through investments, consistently. 

They also provide round-up investment functionality where Acorns rounds up users’ purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the additional change into a portfolio of ETFs. What sets it apart from other more traditional types of investment is that this method is highly integrated into what you are already doing in your daily life and there is no initial hefty capital required. Also, Acorns has offered specific investment plans for the family where you can open an investment account for your children/ Stock-Back® for debit products to make sure that the whole family is on the right track to accumulating wealth.

6. Charles Schwab

This is an investment app that offers financial advice for mutual funds to new, moderate, and advance-level investors. It is most notable for their extensive database of research and education materials; they provide a wealth of actionable information for people wishing to improve their financial literacy on finance and investing.

With regards to the criteria that value different approaches to commission- and fee-based trading services, US low-cost brokerage firm Charles Schwab still provides such options as fractional shares as well as commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs that enables investors to invest every single dollar that he or she earned into the securities of one’s’ preference. Moreover, the account has a feature whereby the clients are offered a cash bonus on behalf of the platform provided that a certain minimum amount is funded on the account: an added incentive for anyone who wishes to commence their investment.

7. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing

For those who are searching for the no-frills, yet quite satisfactory brokerage firm, the J. P. Morgan is a suitable choice. This investment platform is for users to invest with other people and in addition it offers a multitude of Morningstar and CFRA research tools and other researching materials.

With equal efficacy, Self-Directed Investing Portfolio Builder effectively contributes to construction of a powerful and efficient portfolio with no impediment. The no-commission model, the convenient opportunity to link all the Chase accounts enhancing spending and saving experience like the mentioned by W. L. Silvester option contributes to the demand for this service. Hence, both the new investors and the experienced ones may get benefits with the offers that J. P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing offers its consumers.

8. M1 Finance

M1 Finance is a feature-rich money management software that appeals to both self-directed traders and those looking for automated investing solutions. It offers a wide range of services. From fractional shares and commission-free trading in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, to user-friendly interfaces and expert-designed portfolios, M1 Finance has something for every investor.

One of the standout features of this collaborative investment platform is its ability to balance multiple financial needs. Whether you’re seeking hands-on trading experience or prefer to let the experts handle the heavy lifting, M1 Finance provides a seamless solution. With low minimum deposit requirements and no extra fees for standard accounts, this platform empowers you to take control of your financial future without breaking the bank.

9. Ellevest 

While Ellevest started with the mission of closing the gender gap in investing, it has since evolved into a platform that welcomes and empowers individuals of all backgrounds, including non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. This collaborative investment app is a true game-changer for those seeking personalized plans for individual investment and retirement accounts. 

With automated IRA and 401(k)/403(b) rollovers, as well as one-on-one sessions with certified financial planners, Ellevest offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your unique needs. Furthermore, the personalized suggestions provided by the platform, which are derived from longevity data and gender-specific wage curves, guarantee that your investments are geared towards long-term financial security and growth.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of investing, the best collaborative apps and websites have emerged as game-changers, democratizing access to wealth-building opportunities and fostering a supportive community of investors. From user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive educational resources to advanced trading tools and real-time market insights, these platforms cater to the diverse needs of investors at every level.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor seeking advanced trading tools or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the waters, the collaborative investment landscape offers a wealth of opportunities to grow your wealth, learn from others, and stay ahead of the curve.

So, embrace the power of collaboration, engage with like-minded individuals, and let these best collaborative investment apps and websites be your trusted companions on the path to financial freedom.