Apple's New Data Center Means New Reliable Services and Independence

By all accounts, Apple's new North Carolina data center , is for something huge.  500,000 Square feet.  By other standards set by Microsoft and Google, most of their data centers are around 200,000 to 400,000 square feet.

So, what is Apple doing with this kind of room and the processing power that is sure to occupy this place?

Well, there are tons of speculations.  

• Mobileme reliability - boy, does it need it.
• iTunes expansion - movies, TV, music, apps.
• iLife expansion to challenge Google and Microsoft's office plans
• Less reliance on 3rd party servers and services
• Support for new unannounced services and products

Take your pick.  I think it's all of the above.  If the data center in NC is specifically built for one or more of the above services, others will be built in no time.  

But looking at the list, it's telling to see where Apple thinks the future of wireless and computing is headed.  And Apple is simply getting ready to innovate in those areas.  More importantly, it is beginning to assert independence from having to rely on partners that might one day challenge it in its own markets.

Do you realize that Google's entry into the mobile and desktop OS would be the second time Steve Jobs and Apple has been screwed over by a close partner and friend?  Want to guess who the first one?