Google boats in prospect
Google may move its supercomputers from land sites to a fleet of barges moored offshore. The internet search engine provider has filed a patent application in the USA for one or more 'water-based data centers' located 3 to 7 miles from shore in 50 to 70 metres of water.
Not only would offshore barges save vast amounts of money in land and property expenses, but operating costs would be reduced by harnessing wave energy to power and cool the computers. "We file patent applications on a variety of ideas," said a company spokesman, "some later mature, some don't."
Motor Boats Monthly, 18 September 2008
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