Google Expands Global Presence in Asia, London, Dublin

Google is establishing a stronger international presence with the purchase of land for data centers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Ireland. Additionally, Google invested in a start-up center in London known as “Tech City” near the Silicon Roundabout.

The data centers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are the first three Google-owned data centers in the Asia-Pacific region, although the company has previously rented data centers in the area. Google purchased 6.5 acres of land in Kowloon, Hong Kong; 6 acres in Jurong West, Singapore; and 37 acres in Changhua County, Taiwan, according to PCWorld. Each data center will receive more than $100 million (U.S.) in investment.

Google has yet to release further details of the Asia-Pacific centers, including the purchase figures and the expected dates of construction.

A fourth new data center is being constructed in Dublin, Ireland, where Google hopes to take advantage of the cool climate for a highly energy-efficient center. The data center, which will be built on 11 acres of recently purchased land, will see approximately $100 million (U.S.) in investment. 

“The new data center will be one of the most energy-efficient in Google’s global fleet,” stated John Herlihy, head of Google Ireland. The center’s green technology has been tested in the data center that Google currently rents in Dublin; Google will continue renting that data center in addition to establishing a new proprietary center.

While construction dates haven’t been announced for the Dublin data center, the contractor bidding process has been completed and more than 200 construction workers are officially slated for the job.

Google is extending beyond data centers, too. In London, England, Google has joined with other technology giants (including Facebook and Intel) to establish a center for startup Internet companies. Fledgling companies will be able to lease space and receive expert advice in the business center, dubbed Tech City, once it’s complete, according to Reuters.

Google signed the lease for the seven-story building near the Silicon Roundabout that will become the Tech City center, and Google advisors will be on site to assist the startups. The center and related startup assistance initiative is the first of its kind for Google.

Dates and purchase figures for the Tech City center have yet to be released.

This expansion also continues a trend from Google of expanding both its employee base and its non-U.S. presence. It’s anticipated that 2011 will be a record hiring year for Google, and the establishment of these international projects serves as an indicator of strong hiring in the years to come.