google is granted water-based data center patent

aqua search?

[nealrodriguez]

water-based data center [patft.uspto.gov]

A system includes a floating platform-mounted computer data center comprising a plurality of computing units, a sea-based electrical generator in electrical connection with the plurality of computing units, and one or more sea-water cooling units for providing cooling to the plurality of computing units.

hell of way to go green; or should i say blue?

i wonder if they could also save on rent like this; what does it cost for a nautical acre of water these days?

[edited by: nealrodriguez at 5:12 pm (utc) on April 29, 2009]

[wyweb]

what does it cost for a nautical acre of water these days?

What IS a nautical acre of water?

Just curious...

[willybfriendly]

What is new or inventive about this that justifies the granting of a patent? On the surface (pun intended) it would appear to be nothing but a mashup of existing technology.

Floating Platform = Boat

Plurality of Computing Units = Data Center

Crane Removable Modules = Shipping Containers

Heat Exchanger = Radiator

Etc.

Am I missing something here? Can I get a patent on the shop in my garage based on how I "inventively" combined various tools, electrical outlets, and work/storage space?

[nealrodriguez]

What IS a nautical acre of water?

an acre that floats? ;)

[londrum]

yeah, it's basically just a boat with a computer in it

[JS_Harris]

I wonder what new biologic organisms will evolve in the sea water surrounding the Google sea machine. With all of the worlds knowledge and an instant connection to every part of the planet to munch on... might be a possibility of some extra strength plankton right?

edit: On second though the "sea water cooling units" give it away, it's just a boat. ah well, no new Google sci-fi stories I guess.

[edited by: JS_Harris at 4:55 am (utc) on May 1, 2009]