Google to build $100-M data center in Taiwan

Internet search giant Google Inc. will set up a $100-million data center in Changhua County in Taiwan to offer faster access to its services in Asia. Google will acquire 15 hectares of land in Changhua for the facility, which it expects to come online in two years, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CAN) reported "We selected this location through the same rigorous site selection process we use for all new data centers, taking into consideration the location's proximity to our users, access to robust infrastructure and reliable power, availability of skilled workers, reasonable business regulations and cost," it quoted Google as saying in a statement. Google now has 15 offices and thousands of employees across Asia and the Pacific, including an office in Taiwan, according to the CNA report. The center will "help provide Google's users in Taiwan and elsewhere in Asia with faster and more reliable access to Google's services." More people are getting online every day in Asia than in any other part of the world, Google said. The company is now in talks with its partners and the Taiwan government, ironing out the data center’s project details. The facility will likely create five to 20 full-time jobs and will use a small number of part-time and full-time contract workers, including computer technicians, electrical and mechanical engineers, and catering and security staff, according to the CAN report. Meanwhile, Google is also planning to build other data centers in Hong Kong and Singapore. — VS, GMA News