Intel gets down on the farm

Intel is investing £90 million in a 10,000 server farm which will come online in Q2 this year. The sever farm sited at Winnersh, Reading will employ 170 people and offer server space for small businesses who have little resources for supporting e-business. Intel chose the site over Amsterdam and Frankfurt, the decision being influenced by the site's proximity to Heathrow Airport, according to today's Financial Times. Intel vice president Mike Aymar said: "Our location in the Thames Valley will offer fast access to an established internet infrastructure that services the continent, international financial institutions and global carrier points." Intel estimate that of the number of servers required by 2005, only four per cent have so far been deployed. Ecommerce minister Patricia Hewitt said that the investment would "provide [a] vital infrastructure and support for UK businesses." Hewitt's comment was echoed by the head of the south east England development agency, Anthony Dunnet, who said: "South-east England is the world's most important region outside the US for the IT and telecoms industry." ®