Google reveal a new Google cloud data centre
Google have recently announced that they have built a new cloud data centre in London. The centre will house all services that Google currently provides to third parties.
According to a recent survey, Google is only the third most capable provider of cloud storage, with Microsoft and Amazon leading the way. The new data centre has assured clients of faster times, in a bid to match its closest rivals and close the gap in the industry. The same survey also found that Google was behind the market leaders with regards to market share.
Previous focus has been elsewhere
Up to now, Google has focused on providing data centres outside of Europe, with the centre in London the first to cross onto the continent. Next, the giant plans to continue its expansion into Europe by opening similar centres in Frankfurt, Finland and the Netherlands. This should prove to be beneficial for anyone in the UK who currently uses Google’s cloud storage, with access times almost certain to fall. This is due to the distance that data has to travel from the data centre to the client’s computer – with shorter speeds meaning faster access times.
No clear link to Brexit
Although there has been some speculation with regards to whether Brexit has triggered the decision to open the centre due to a change in data laws, officials stated that plans were in place well before the referendum. It is therefore unlikely to be linked with the potential changing data laws.
A potential saving for clients
The platform that Google provides allows its clients to be charged based on the amount of compute time that they actually use – rather than just a flat fee that is the same for all customers. This means that if you are running an IT department, you may be able to get a better deal than you would if you signed up to a set deal by one of Google’s competitors.
Amongst the companies who are currently impressed by what Google have to offer are Coca-Cola and the Telegraph – as both of these have already chosen to use the service.
An advancing offering of features
Currently, Google are not able to offer clients as many features as the likes of Amazon or Microsoft in their respective cloud services, however this gap is closing. Thanks to the pricing structure, it seems like more companies and individuals are choosing to opt for Google’s offering. This is therefore giving the company incentive to increase available features and really stand up against its competitors.
More revelations in the industry
Google aren’t the only ones who have made big announcements in relation to cloud storage. Microsoft have also recently announced that their service, Azure, will have the ability to be run from clients’ own servers, which is a huge step forward. In addition, the new Azure Stack is to be aimed towards those who have poor or no internet connections, for example ships or oil rigs.
Apple are also in the running, with the announcement that they plan to open their very first data centre in China. The company hope that this will allow them to improve the speed of the service – while also maintaining an adherence to new data regulations.
There was a new law introduced in China back in June that stated that companies must store data locally, but give Chinese companies the ability to see details related to the computer servers being used.
New laws may make things more complicated for companies, however it is important for companies to adhere to them for their own and their clients’ protection.