The AI landscape is shifting fast, shaped by global events and evolving technology. While many are eager to harness AI’s potential, there’s still plenty of scepticism about its role in business. Traditional large language models (LLMs) face fresh competition from newcomers like Llama, DeepSeek, and Baidu’s Ernie X1. Open-source options are gaining ground because they offer transparency and support the growing call for responsible AI.
This movement isn’t just about technology; it’s also about considering environmental impact, data privacy, and political factors. Red Hat, a company well known for its open-source roots, is applying this philosophy to AI. They’re pushing for responsible, transparent development that puts control back into the hands of users.
Julio Guijarro, Red Hat’s Chief Technology Officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, points out that AI can feel like a black box. “There’s still a lot we don’t understand about how AI works under the hood—its foundations in complex science and maths make it mysterious for many,” he says. That’s why education is key to making AI less intimidating and more accessible.
Red Hat is focusing on small language models (SLMs) that can run on everyday hardware rather than specialised, costly systems. These smaller models excel at specific tasks while using fewer resources, which means businesses can keep sensitive data closer and adapt their AI tools more quickly as needs change. Optimising models for standard hardware also helps cut costs. Julio explains, “Many teams are now stripping down large models to just what’s essential for a given use case.” This lean approach aims to make AI practical and affordable across industries.
To boost AI’s reach and performance, Red Hat acquired Neural Magic, a company specialising in efficient AI scaling. They’ve also partnered with IBM Research to launch InstructLab, a programme designed to support AI development for users without specialist expertise. Red Hat’s CEO, Matt Hicks, sums up their vision simply: “The future of AI is open.” This openness promises more control, transparency and responsibility as AI becomes part of everyday business.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the complexity or cost of deploying AI, Red Hat’s approach offers a fresh path forward—one that balances innovation with practical concerns and puts you in the driver’s seat.
