We all talk the talk, but only a handful are walking the walk.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the ability to invest in cutting-edge hardware is a critical determinant of success. However, this privilege is largely confined to a select group of technology giants, often referred to as “The Magnificent Seven.” These companies—Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla—possess the vast financial resources, technical expertise, and infrastructural capabilities necessary to develop and sustain the sophisticated hardware essential for serious AI advancements.

The staggering costs associated with AI hardware, such as state-of-the-art data centers, advanced GPUs, and custom AI chips, create a formidable barrier to entry for any other corporation. These investments are not just about purchasing equipment but also about continuous innovation, research, and development to stay ahead in a fiercely competitive market. For that, a deep understanding of IT and its strategic importance among senior executives in these companies is crucial. Many leaders still think of IT as support to cut costs, rather than the core of their business.

Moreover, these seven tech giants are driving AI research through their proprietary technologies and platforms, further entrenching their dominance. For instance, Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and Nvidia’s GPUs are critical in training and deploying complex AI models. Similarly, companies like Tesla are leveraging their unique hardware to pioneer advancements in autonomous driving.

In summary, the ability to invest in high-performance hardware is a significant factor that limits serious AI development to a handful of powerful tech giants. The Mag 7’s financial clout and technological ability ensure they remain at the forefront of AI innovation, making it increasingly difficult for all others to compete on the same level. This concentration of power in the corporate world calls for a critical examination of how it shapes the future of our society.

We all agree on the problems with the authoritarian surveillance state, but what about the fact that only a handful of private companies rule the rest of the world?