Google is well known for its secrecy, but last week we were afforded the briefest of glimpses under its shroud. The company has elaborated for the first time about the realty it is considering in Charleston and a second near Columbia, South Carolina, for large data center facilities (see Google plans data center in North Carolina worth up to US$600 million, 22 January).
According to local media reports, company spokesman Barry Schnitt says that Google is evaluating' about 520 acres in Mount Holly Commerce Park, off US Highway 52 between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner.
Schnitt said the two South Carolina properties are being studied independently, meaning they are not competing head to head for the same capital investment or jobs. He also stressed that Mountain View, California-based Google is evaluating and securing other data center sites all over the world.
"Some we will begin construction on immediately. ... Some may be held in reserve to be used if a site does not work out somewhere else, or as business needs dictate. That's something ... to keep in mind," he said.
The disclosure follows the recent release of records that purportedly show Google demanded North Carolina lawmakers not use its name when creating an incentives package worth US$100 million over 30 years to get the company to locate its new operation there. Schnitt said the critical report was not the prompt to discuss some details about its efforts in South Carolina, where it also has required officials involved to sign strict confidentiality agreements.