The activation will be paired with the creation of about 100 jobs, so this delay should save Google a noticeable amount of dough.  However, Google already owns the 800 acres of land in Pryor, Oklahoma, and data centers aren’t really perks, so the move might indicate that Google’s going on a pretty serious cost-cutting spree.

Sanders Mitchell, the Mid-America Industrial Park’s administrator, told Tulsa World, "Google will activate and staff the server farm when the economy improves."  Also, "The company at that time will revisit plans to construct a second building that would employ an additional 100 people."

But we’re not necessarily at an official-end-of-expansion moment.  A Google spokesperson explained to Data Center Knowledge, "[W]e’ve invested heavily in capacity to ensure we can meet existing as well as future demand.  This means there is no need to make all our data centers operational from day one. . . .  Google remains committed to and excited about operating this facility in Mayes County."

Believe whichever side you want, and please accept our apologies if we’ve spoiled Halloween.

The 10-count civil lawsuit says James W. Conradt committed libel, copyright violations and trademark infringements.

Conradt apologized about the fake article and said he it was meant to be a joke. "I am sorry for any trouble this has caused," Conradt said in a statement on www.darthhusker.com. "A link to this site was posted on a Husker fan discussion board. I have decided to take down my entire Husker site. Please consider this to be an official retraction and correction."

Conradt posted an article on the Internet July 9 that falsely stated University of Oklahoma quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Landry Jones had been arrested for intent to distribute cocaine, according to the lawsuit.

Conradt put a link to the article on his Web site and an online sports forum.

The lawsuit alleges that Conradt used Oklahoman sports writer Jake Trotter’s byline and other trademarks to make the fake Internet article look legitimate.

The lawsuit asks for unspecified financial damages and for a federal judge to order Conradt not to misuse the publisher’s trademarks in the future. It also asks Conradt to write a report stating how he will comply with the order.

Conradt, 36, is a Nebraska fan who works in the information technology department at the University of Texas.

The company goes on to say, “Google is very happy to be constructing a new data center in Berkeley County, South Carolina. . . .  Eventually, we plan to employ approximately 200 people, ranging from technology assistants to experienced data center managers.  We’re confident this $600 million investment will be good for Berkeley County, Google and our Internet users.”

And, there, in a nutshell, is Google’s Berkeley County Data Center site – lots of feel-good, FAQ-type stuff (not that there’s anything wrong with that).  Dan McCue of the Charleston Regional Business Journal interviewed Matt Dunne, Google’s community relations specialist, on the matter.

“There’s no question that this kind of community outreach is kind of new for Google, but I think it’s a reflection of how the company has grown and evolved over the years,” said Dunne, who later added, “As a result of the positive experience we’ve had here, we’re increasing our outreach to communities in Oklahoma and Iowa, where other data centers are being built.”

Google’s always been one of the most communicative companies on the Web; it looks like the search giant isn’t going to lose that distinction anytime soon.

The local newspaper, The Daily Times, is reporting that Google will make an official announcement about their plans on May 2nd.

 On the MAIP Web site they boast that a company can save between 20 and 70 percent on utilities, which is part of the attraction Google sees in locating in Pryor.

When the deal with Google was still in the speculation stage, the local paper had this to report on the impact: "The possibility of Google coming to Pryor, the value that it will bring, not just to Mayes County, but the state … I don’t believe we can even imagine (the impact) right now as far as the kind of jobs that it could bring," said Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce Director Barbara Hawkins.

"We’re really excited about the possibility," she said Hawkins, adding it also validates the progress of the MAIP and the quality of life of Pryor and Mayes County. "That companies such as Gatorade and possibly, Google, are acknowledging and realizing that not only is our park extraordinary, but the people in our area as well."

Danny Sullivan has compiled a list of states where Google has a presence.

1. CALIFORNIA (September 1998) 
2. NEW YORK (From at least 2000). 
3. ILLINOIS (2000)
4. WASHINGTON (November 2004)
5. WASHINGTON D.C. (October 2005)
6. ARIZONA (October 2005)
7. MASSACHUSETTS (Late 2005)
8. PENNSYLVANIA (December 2005)
9. COLORADO (March 2006)
10. MICHIGAN (July 2006)
11. OREGON (2006)
12. SOUTH CAROLINA (December 2006)
13. NORTH CAROLINA (January 2007)
14. GEORGIA (March 2007)
15. TEXAS (At least by March 2007)

The governor partnered with Kathy Taylor, Secretary of Commerce and Tourism, Fred J. Hall, Chairman, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and GM Plant Manager Tyree Minner, to talk about the importance of rallying around GM during this pivotal time.

“This campaign is about celebrating one of Oklahoma’s great corporate citizens, as well as its hard-working and dedicated workforce,” said Henry. “GM has a tremendous impact on our economy, but its role in our state goes even deeper. This company is a major contributor to Oklahoma charities and various philanthropic organizations, and its commitment to Oklahoma is unparalleled. I look forward to working with GM and UAW officials as the company continues to play a pivotal role in our economy for many years to come.”

According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the direct and indirect economic impact of the GM Oklahoma City facility to the state is in excess of $1 billion.

This isn’t the first time the state has rallied to support GM. After 2003 tornado tore though the plant, “a drop-everything-and-rebuild mission”, got production going just seven weeks later.

The state clearly intends to stand by GM and its employees. Many articles have speculated that the plant will close, but the company denies their accuracy.

“Something like that is pure speculation,” said Pam Reese, GM’s production spokesperson. “I have not seen anything or heard anything about this being it for Oklahoma City. This is a production and sales issue. It’s a market driven decision and not anything reflective of the people at Oklahoma City.”

Chris is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest ebusiness news.

The company has been trying to sell its commercial operations in Wichita, along with plants in Tulsa and McAlester, Oklahoma, for over a year.

An SeattlePI article,

“Bob Brewer, the Midwest director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, told the AP the union expected an announcement about a buyer later in the day. Boeing officials declined to comment.

Boeing is Kansas’ largest private employer. About 7,200 people work at the Wichita commercial plant, along with as many as 1,300 at the two smaller facilities in Oklahoma. Boeing’s defense operations in Wichita, which employ approximately 5,000 workers, are not involved in the sale.”

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