Where the Internet Lives

Two: Inside the Walls

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Dec 10, 2020
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ANECDOTE

Nelson's Lost Data Center Interview

  • Nelson Abramson got lost finding Google's early data center, delayed hours for his interview.
  • The data center was unmarked, remote, and nothing like the secure facilities today.
INSIGHT

Building Cheap, Redundant Hardware

  • Google's early data center hardware built on consumer-grade parts had redundancy to handle frequent failures.
  • Early Google engineers ignored industry standards to create affordable, scalable machines.
ANECDOTE

Extreme Frugality in Early Google

  • Louie Bajoso's team couldn't afford desks or fancy hardware and used recycled doors as workbenches.
  • Every expense was scrutinized, even paper towel dispensers were seen as too expensive.
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