Representatives of internet giant Yahoo are investigating the possibility of establishing a server farm in Iceland. They met with Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde and CEO of Reykjavík Energy Company (OR) Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson yesterday.
“This is a very exciting idea and it is positive that Iceland is shown such interest. Yahoo’s representatives have found out that there is a friendly environment for such operations here,” Haarde told Fréttabladid.
Yahoo runs about 20 server farms, which serve as a kind of database, in many different countries, hosting both data and internet servers. Server farms require a lot of energy, which is why Iceland is considered a prime option.
“Iceland is known to be environmentally friendly and to offer inexpensive energy. We are very satisfied with what we have seen and Icelandic investors are interested in the idea,” said Kevin Timmons, the vice-president of Yahoo’s executive department, but added that discussions were at the initial stage.
If Yahoo decides to establish a server farm in Iceland it could begin operation after three years, although a new marine cable will be required to establish the farm.
According to information from the Ministry of Industry, a new marine cable is scheduled for fall 2008.
Click here to read more about server farms in Iceland.
