Gov. Bev Perdue tours Facebook data center, October 2011.
North Carolina’s advantages as a location for data centers have earned the attention of an international audience once again. In an article for the influential tech blog GIGAom, Katie Fehrenbacher, explores the reasons North Carolina has become the popular place to build East Coast data centers. In the shadow of Facebook’s data center grand opening, it’s prudent to note they were by no means the first ones on the block. Facebook joined Apple, AT&T, Disney, EMC, Google, Wipro and others in their selection of the Tar Heel State for data center facilities.
Considering the number of global information and communications technology companies that set up camp in the state, there must be a reason for North Carolina’s popularity. Fehrenbacher discusses what she considers the ten biggest reasons her article.
In summary:
- Utilities, a big consideration for power-consuming data centers, are clearly a big draw. Fehrenbacher cites low-cost, reliable and available power as well as available water in her top ten.
- Other low-cost considerations are also addressed, such as state and local incentives and a climate that supports efficient energy use.
- Market access, both the East Coast location and proximity to major cities and airports, also fits the bill for data centers.
- Setting is also a positive for North Carolina, as it has plenty of rural space and facilities go up quickly. In addition, the influx of data centers has resulted in the Lemming effect, or clustering of companies in the wake of similar company successes.
Read more at GIGAom.
VIDEO: Bob Hawkins, VP of North Carolina Operations for EMC Corporation with operations in Apex, Durham and Research Triangle Park, talks about the low cost of operating in North Carolina. He describes how affordable energy coupled with a temperate climate makes North Carolina an ideal location for data centers.
Sign up for ThriveNC's industry announcement alerts: SUBSCRIBE
Sign up for ThriveNC's weekly e-newsletters: SUBSCRIBE
Related news:
North Carolina and Facebook Celebrate Grand Opening of Data Center.
AT&T Tags North Carolina Good Place to Invest and Do Business.
Western North Carolina Emerges as National Data Center Hub.
Related links:
PDF: N.C. Data Centers Brochure
Market Access in North Carolina
AccessNC™ Mobile App Facilities Location Tool
