Apple may build data center near Facebook, Google operations in Oregon
Citing two people with knowledge of Apple's plans, The Oregonian reported on Saturday that Apple is "nearing a decision" whether to build the new, "large" data center. If it does, the facility would be located a quarter of a mile south of a Facebook server farm that opened earlier this year.
"Apple would be the latest in a quick succession of big-name tech companies to build a data center in Oregon," author Mike Rogoway wrote. "The state is a hot destination for server farms, which attract huge investment but employ relatively few."
Apple reportedly dispatched representatives to tour Facebook's new facility in Prineville over the summer. But Apple's plans are said to be "in flux," as the iCloud operator wants to ensure there is adequate electricity available in Prineville.
The city is said to be a big attraction for tech companies like Apple and Amazon because of tax breaks, in addition to a mild climate and relatively low power costs. Depending on the size of the facility, if Apple chooses to build it, Apple could reportedly receive a tax exemption of several million dollars.
Apple opened a massive, 500,000-square-foot data center in Maiden, N.C., earlier this year. In October, it was revealed that the company also plans to build a new solar farm opposite the data center. The new $1 billion data center supports Apple's iTunes and iCloud services.
72 Comments
Apple has been using server farms for years with their extensive iTunes Store so what could these new massive server farms be used for? I don't think iCloud or Siri are going to cut it as answers.
Apple has been using server farms for years with their extensive iTunes Store so what could these new massive server farms be used for? I don't think iCloud or Siri are going to cut it as answers.
Their three mapping companies.
Their three mapping companies.
And their own web search?
I don't think iCloud or Siri are going to cut it as answers.
Why not?
iCloud and SIRI are relatively new things and perhaps more server space will be needed.
Apple is already backing up the contents of many, many millions of devices every single day.
With iCloud, SIRI and iTunes match, there is a hell of a lot of content for Apple to store. Who's to say that they simply don't need more space?
And tens of millions of people are buying new Apple devices every quarter. That's a lot of backing up for Apple to deal with.
Why not?
iCloud and SIRI are relatively new things and perhaps more server space will be needed.
Apple is already backing up the contents of many, many millions of devices every single day.
With iCloud, SIRI and iTunes match, there is a hell of a lot of content for Apple to store. Who's to say that they simply don't need more space?
And tens of millions of people are buying new Apple devices every quarter. That's a lot of backing up for Apple to deal with.
Compared to the data being pushed from the iTS and App Store over these years? I think this push for massive data centers are for something not yet released. Perhaps it involves your iCloud account (like an always ready television subscription) or Siri (like a more fully functional web search that competes more directly with Google), but it's something they have right now, IMO.