In the tech world, energy costs are becoming a major concern and a significant part of operating budgets. So much so that major firms (like Yahoo, Google, and Microsoft) are building their infrastructure components based on the presence of cheap energy:
“In fact, it’s not just Google that’s here, or nearby. Microsoft and Yahoo have both set up shop in the region to take advantage of the cheap power that comes from the dams along the Columbia.”
Mathew Ingram (Tech writer for the Globe and Mail) also has a good post about how California’s electricity problems, population, and climate are bringing down major sites:
“…power consumption of all kinds is an issue for the entire technology industry, and particularly for data-intensive companies such as Google, which is building giant new server farms on the shores of the Columbia River in Oregon to try and cope with the demands it faces.”
Winnipeg is well positioned to offer these firms a cost-effective solution.
- We certainly have cheap hydroelectric power (Spirited Energy!).
- We have the infrastructure and support industries in place (MTS Allstream, MB Hydro, etc).
- We have skilled technical people to work in new facilities, courtesey of the U’s of M & W, RR, SWT, etc.
- Location is much less important for the internet industry – i.e.: Winnipeg, Oregon, or Mumbai – the internet erases arbitrary political boundaries.
For Winnipeg, the advantages of landing the presence of one or more tech giants are many:
- High paying technical jobs.
- Banner business presence.
- Expanded tax base, more business, and other tradtional rationalizations.
- Most importantly: Brand equity. Position Winnipeg as a tech infrastructure hub and see what grows up around it.
Making it happen: The Mayor’s Office (political will and physical infrastructure), Manitoba Hydro (energy supply), MTS Allstream (infrastructure supply) should get together and start a dialog with the web’s major infrastructure users/providers: Google / Microsoft / Yahoo / Akamai / Limelight / Etc / Etc.
Added Bonus: Server farms don’t stink like hog operations.
