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Timeline The progression of Google's data centres
TIMELINE
The progression of data centres
From pioneering sustainability standards to driving the deployment of the cloud across the world, Google has been at the forefront of the world’s data centre industry for the last two decades. Now, with its 35-strong network of cloud regions and DC sites spanning the world, Google’s data centres are growing from strength to strength.
1999
GOOGLE UNVEILS ITS FIRST DATA CENTRE
Back in 1999, Google launched its first data centre in Santa Clara. But the start of this journey was surprisingly unassertive.
In fact, Google’s first, small cage of equipment was based in an Exodus Communications’ facility in Santa Clara – the cage itself was just 2.5 sqm.
2007
GOOGLE IS WORLD’S FIRST MAJOR COMPANY TO BECOME CARBON NEUTRAL
Then, 10 years after it achieved its landmark carbon neutrality status, Google became the first major company in the world to successfully match its energy use with 100% renewables.
2008
GOOGLE LAUNCHES ITS CLOUD PLATFORM
On April 7th, the Google Cloud Platform was launched – before use, or even knowledge, of the cloud was ubiquitous.
Today, the platform has a revenue of $19.2bn, which represents around 7% of the company’s total revenue. And, in Q4 2021, its share of the global market stood at 9%.
2018
GOOGLE EXPANDS INTO VIRGINIA
In 2018, Google announced plans to make its stake in Virginia, the location with the world’s largest concentration of data centres.
They revealed that they would be constructing a data centre complex in Loudoun County. Then, in 2019, Google completed the first phase of construction for two data centres in the county, representing an initial investment of $1.2bn.
2022
GOOGLE REVEALS PLANS TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST CLOUD REGION IN AFRICA
Earlier this year, Google announced its intent to establish a Google Cloud region in South Africa – the first on the continent. According to AlphaBeta Economics research, this will contribute more than a cumulative US$2.1bn to the country’s GDP, supporting the creation of more than 40,000 jobs by 2030. for two data centres in the county, representing an initial investment of $1.2bn.
