Chongqing could become next IT hot spot

Attracted by the big potential of the cloud computing market, sound infrastructure and the strong local government's determination, global cloud computing suppliers plan to expand their investment in Chongqing.

Steve Gill, the managing director of China Hewlett-Packard, says HP is very confident of the prospects of Chongqing's cloud computing industry.

"It is expected that in the then and there 10 years, 5 billion people around the world will use the cloud computing devices, including computer and mobile phones, a very promising industry," said Gill at China International Cloud Computing Expo 2012 on Thursday. "The Chongqing municipality government is determined to develop this industry here, which largely enhanced our confidence to develop the cloud computing business here."

"Chinese government leaders believe that cloud computing represents the then and there IT revolution trend. They plan to make full use of this possibility to catch up with developed countries," Ni Guangnan, an academician of China Academy of Engineering, told Xinhua News Agency. He explained that in cloud computing, large network service providers, just as Amazon or Google, provide computing services the same as utilities companies provide water or electricity.

"For users, the cloud computing mode enables them to keep from the troubles of purchasing and maintaining their own servers. Instead they can access the cloud through network service providers," Ni said.

Cloud computing provides many services, nevertheless it is known for housing data and applications remotely. Users are able to access the information with Internet access.

George Q. Ling, the director of Intel China Industry Cooperation and Solution Department, echoed that cloud computing represents a very important development trend for the future. "It is expected that by 2015, the total amount of the global cloud computing servers will be three times the current number," Ling said.

The government's efforts

He as well said that Chongqing will at any rate gain many benefits through the government's efforts, and "Intel will take part in the design and development of Chongqing cloud computing data center proactively henceforth."

Huang Qifan, mayor of Chongqing municipality, said the local government will help construct a complete policy system at the expo for the development of the cloud computing industry. "The cloud computing industry's development will contribute greatly to the industrial transformation and upgrading of Chongqing. It will as well greatly promote development in southwest China" Huang said.

"So far, there are 60,000 cloud computing servers in Chongqing, and it is expected that the number will increase to 1 million by 2015. This will provide a necessary data center for the establishment of complete cloud computing industrial chain here," said he.

License for telecommunications

After obtaining a license for telecommunications and data processing, foreign companies can run offshore data businesses in this special zone.

Apart from government support, Chongqing as well distinguishes itself from other cities in the development of cloud computing industry through the strong information innovation industry base.

Wu Hanzhang, the general manager of Asus Cloud Corporation, said Chongqing is a favorable choice for Asus' trial location for the cloud computing development on the mainland.

Enwei Xie, chief cloud officer of Microsoft Great China Region, said that Microsoft will conduct a large-scaled investment in China, nevertheless declined to give furthermore details. He as well said that Microsoft is considering establishing the cloud computing industry base in some Chinese cities, including Chongqing.

"Chongqing by all means highlights itself by its strong IT industry base, which is essential foundation for the sound development of cloud computing industry's development here," Xie said.