IBM to build massive cloud computing center in China

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

IBM recently announced it has won a contract to help build a colossal cloud computing center in Langfang, China.

Measuring nearly 6.2 million square feet, the data center is projected to be Asia's largest, and could generate as much as $200 million worth of contracts for IBM in the next five years.

IBM will collaborate with China-based Range Technology Development to build the center, which will be constructed to international green building standards, IBM stated.

The data center will likely support software developers and government departments, and will also offer data backup and disaster recovery services.

"The data center offers the world-class infrastructure capabilities and advanced network based services to support the business growth of our clients," said Range Technology chairman Madam Zhou Chaonan. "This initiative plays a critical role in the economic development of China in light of the pressing demand for managed hosting in the areas of cloud computing and mobile devices."

As in other parts of the world, cloud computing is becoming an increasingly sought-after technology in China. According to a recent report by IDC, 2011 will see more demand for cloud computing in China, specifically among government institutions and telecom operators.