Search engine powerhouse Google confirms rumours it is eyeing SA to set up local operations to develop locally-oriented products.
Earlier this year, ITWeb reported that Google was possibly considering setting up shop in SA.
Ema Linaker, Google's corporate communications and public affairs manager for the EMEA region, says the company has been investigating the talent pool in SA. "We go where the talent is and SA has an enormously talented engineering base," she says.
Internet giant Google has outlined its investment plan for the local market, saying: "Google believes the best way to develop great products for South African users, partners and advertisers is to have local talent working on them."
Linaker says Google is not thinking about investing in the South African market in dollar terms, but seeks to create "product development resources".
"The intention is to localise as many products as we can, as this makes sense for the market. It is in our users' best interests to tailor products to meet their different needs in different markets.
"The investment is quite significant. To launch a fully-localised product takes an investment of time and machines from across the Google network, involving many functions within the company.
"Our objective is to offer all of our core products in any language that has a significant user base. The mission of the company is to make information universally available and accessible. The founders and [CEO] Eric Schmidt take that mission very seriously," says Linaker.
Google would not be drawn on details about when it plans to execute its local plan, or if it will set up an official branch in SA.
Relates story:
Google sets up SA office
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