Google cancels plans to built data center in Hong KongDecember 10, 2013 - 17:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Google has cancelled plans to built a data center in Hong Kong, claiming that the cost of the operations and issues acquiring necessary real estate has forced its hand, The Next Web reports. The Hong Kong site — which was estimated to cost $300 million — would have complimented data centers that are being built in Taiwan and Singapore. Together they are (were) expected to provide a speed boost of up to 30 percent for Google services in Asia, where the company is seeing a surge in usage, particularly from smartphones. The website for the Hong Kong data center project is no longer available, and there is even a suggestion that the company’s fractured relationship with the Chinese government may have played a part in the reversing of the plan. The Internet giant controversially exited the country in 2010 following allegations that Chinese authorities hacked into email accounts belonging to activists, TNW says. In a statement provided to TNW, Google stressed its continued commitment to Hong Kong despite the news: “While we see tremendous opportunity and potential in Hong Kong – we’re actively hiring, just opened a larger office and recently launched a partnership with the Chinese University of Hong Kong to invest in tomorrow’s innovators – we will not be moving ahead with this project. To keep up with the rapid growth in users and usage across the region, we need to focus on locations where we can build for economies of scale. Unfortunately, there is a lack of land for expansion in Hong Kong. We will continue to work closely with the government on this process, and will continue to invest and grow in Hong Kong.” The data centers in Taiwan and Singapore are expected to come online next year, and are unaffected by the change in plans for Hong Kong. Related links: Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |