Intel has selected Winnersh, in Berkshire's own Silicon Valley, as the site of its first European "server farm", designed to provide e-commerce capacity for corporate clients.

The new centre will accommodate 10,000 internet servers, supplying companies that prefer to buy-in the capacity rather than create their own. Intel believes that demand for internet access - and e-commerce services specifically - is set to grow exponentially, and more such sites will be required.

Winnersh was selected over locations on the continent for a number of reasons. Intel already has a sizeable presence in Swindon, and proximity to both the City and Heathrow were seen as pluses. In addition, there appears to have been a considerable lobbying effort by inward investment agencies. The new Intel facility represents a project value estimated at £90M and will generate over 150 jobs.

Elliott Chase