The Urumqi Cloud Computing Center is scheduled to start operation in May, accelerating the economic and social development of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The center, construction on which started in October 2015, is the result of joint efforts by the Xinjiang authorities and Chinese cloud computing company Sugon.

According to Ji Zhe, a staff member from the cloud computing center, the center will integrate the world’s leading cloud computing technology to provide information services to Xinjiang.

Governments at various levels are currently working on improving online administration services, which requires the launch of new information technology systems. The cloud computing technology will reduce server purchase and maintenance costs, said Ji.

The center will contain 2,000 rack cabinets with capacity for more than 50,000 servers.

At present, the center has more than 20 staff members and the number is expected to double in 2018.

A multi-language information service platform, which includes functions for information searching and education services, will also be established, according to Ji.

Edited by Dominic Morgan