Facebook has a lot to celebrate this week ÔÇô a glowing reputation that is not breaking the bank with the announcement of a large cash influx and new web statistics.

Facebook has not only topped Google for the first time as the most visited website in the US in 2010, it has also received a huge cash injection from global investment firm Goldman Sachs and a Russian investor, a financial exchange that values Facebook at a cool US$50bn.

According to a report by the New York Times, Goldman will offer Facebook shares to its investors and as a result hopes to raise as much as US$1.5bn for the social networking site.

The investment has, however, left some speculating as to how Facebook views its financial future. Rumour has it that Facebook could consider a public offering in 2012.

Other reports have also said the investment could help Google increase its headcount, and bring in new talent in much the same way Google has. It could also open the door for acquisitions.

One area Facebook has focussed investment in over recent years has been its data center operations. It announced last year that a new US$450m data center center facility will be built in Rutherford, North Carolina. Its second company-specific facility.