New Dallas AI Lab Features 800-Pound Server Rack for Pre-Deployment Testing

GDT has opened a specialized artificial intelligence laboratory in Dallas that allows businesses to test complex technology before purchasing expensive equipment.

The facility, located at the company's headquarters, debuted with an open house event on Oct. 22. Attendees observed live AI demonstrations and discussed industry trends with executives. GDT describes the space as a proving ground for production-grade environments. This setup helps companies determine the specific infrastructure and architecture required for their AI workloads. It also aids in decisions regarding software and related services.

The lab supports the development, execution, and fine-tuning of generative AI and large language models. Users can test features such as AI agents, copilots, and computer vision. One capability is retrieval-augmented generation, which improves the accuracy of AI output and reduces fabrication. A current client is using the space to evaluate a digital human avatar for transcription and translation. This evaluation will inform the client's final decision to move the software into a live production environment.

Chris Kapusta, vice president of advisory and transformation at GDT, stated that the lab helps customers bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Shawn O'Grady, chairman and CEO of GDT, noted that clients face pressure to deploy AI rapidly while managing security, governance, and token costs. An AI token is the basic unit of data that a machine learning model processes.

The hardware core of the lab consists of an AI-ready Cisco server equipped with eight Nvidia H200 graphics processing units. These chips power AI training and inference. The system also includes six high-performance Cisco Nexus switches and a NetApp all-flash data storage system. NetApp network connections provide speeds of 100, 200, and 400 gigabits per second. The entire setup fits on a single server rack weighing approximately 900 pounds. Kapusta said the configuration supplies enough memory speed to read all digital materials in the Library of Congress in about half a second.

The lab operates under GDT's new AI Factory Center of Excellence. GDT is a privately held IT services provider founded in 1996. The company employs about 900 people worldwide. In September, GDT agreed to be acquired by Softcat, a publicly traded UK-based IT infrastructure firm. The deal is valued at $1.05 billion. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027. GDT will continue to operate from its Dallas headquarters under its current name and leadership team.