Google’s Big Competitive Advantage
October 2, 2008
Larry Dignan’s “Google Talks Efficient Data Centers” here makes a point that some people overlook, even ignore. The write up points to a Googler’s Web log post. The Googler in question is Urs Hölzle, a definite wizard. The topic is the water cooling technology disclosed in US20080209234 here. Two thoughts:
- Floating data centers outside the three mile limit might raise the question, “Who has jurisdiction over these constructs?”
- Several times in the last 12 months Googlers and former Microsoft executives have told me that a patent does not really mean very much. I stand by my assertion that Google does not patent trivial systems and methods.
The GOOG is an engineering firm. Talented engineers innovate and their employers seek to protect that intellectual property. The excitement about floating data centers and water cooling underscores Google’s ability to seize journalists’ and competitors’ attention.
Stephen Arnold, October 2, 2008
Comments
2 Responses to “Google’s Big Competitive Advantage”
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
I read about those floating data centers a few weeks ago. What concerns me about the idea is the impact on the marine life. Ocean/sea temperatures are already on the rise, and now this. Then again, seeing my colleagues’ computers + monitors left on over night and over weekends also hurts us and makes me mad.
Google and GE are pals for several reasons. GE is pretty good at nuclear thermal engineering. The Google “invention” is right out of the cooling methods for the power generation industry. Life thrives at the exit points near nuclear power plants. Now is it heat or “evolution”? The fish should be okay. Predators are usually happy too.
Stephen Arnold, October 4, 2008