McAfee data center expansion heralds big move into the cloud
The internet security company's expansion is an example of the ongoing move toward cloud computing.
By Max BurkhalterMarch 10, 2011
Even companies that have dominated their own corners of the IT marketplace for years are being forced to change their ways thanks to the advent of cloud computing, experts say.
One example of this trend is McAfee, which, following its recent acquisition by microchip maker Intel, has opened up five large new data centers across the globe over the course of the past 12 months. The latest move, which located a data center in London's Docklands district, is designed to improve the company's cloud security footprint, according to a statement. Other facilities have been placed in Amsterdam, Sydney and Tokyo.
CTO of McAfee cloud and content Scott Chasin said that the company is determined to preserve its leadership role in the computer security marketplace.
"McAfee has been leading the industry with SaaS security solutions for more than a decade now. The rapid expansion of cloud data centers over the past year underscores our commitment to our customers and partners to deliver the highest-grade, global cloud security footprint," he stated.
The company also said that the new data centers contain a number of physical features designed to make them less vulnerable to tampering or damage. Extensive cooling systems, video surveillance, sophisticated early fire-warning systems, backup generators in case of a power outage and biometrically controlled access to the servers are just a few of the security measures helping to ensure the safety of McAfee's new centers.
Expansion in the demand for online services has meant that many companies have recently expanded their infrastructure, experts say. Ars Technica reported last month that Apple is preparing to open a truly massive facility in Maiden, North Carolina. The site will be five times the size of Apple's Newark, California, data center, and the sheer scale of the place has caused some to speculate that it will be used to support cloud-based services, according to the tech publication.
One possible scenario for the North Carolina facility is that Apple is preparing to launch a streaming version of iTunes, a theory given credence by the company's recent acquisition of online music service provider Lala, Ars Technica said.
One example of this trend is McAfee, which, following its recent acquisition by microchip maker Intel, has opened up five large new data centers across the globe over the course of the past 12 months. The latest move, which located a data center in London's Docklands district, is designed to improve the company's cloud security footprint, according to a statement. Other facilities have been placed in Amsterdam, Sydney and Tokyo.
CTO of McAfee cloud and content Scott Chasin said that the company is determined to preserve its leadership role in the computer security marketplace.
"McAfee has been leading the industry with SaaS security solutions for more than a decade now. The rapid expansion of cloud data centers over the past year underscores our commitment to our customers and partners to deliver the highest-grade, global cloud security footprint," he stated.
The company also said that the new data centers contain a number of physical features designed to make them less vulnerable to tampering or damage. Extensive cooling systems, video surveillance, sophisticated early fire-warning systems, backup generators in case of a power outage and biometrically controlled access to the servers are just a few of the security measures helping to ensure the safety of McAfee's new centers.
Expansion in the demand for online services has meant that many companies have recently expanded their infrastructure, experts say. Ars Technica reported last month that Apple is preparing to open a truly massive facility in Maiden, North Carolina. The site will be five times the size of Apple's Newark, California, data center, and the sheer scale of the place has caused some to speculate that it will be used to support cloud-based services, according to the tech publication.
One possible scenario for the North Carolina facility is that Apple is preparing to launch a streaming version of iTunes, a theory given credence by the company's recent acquisition of online music service provider Lala, Ars Technica said.
