India’s customers have played a significant role in impacting AWS’ decisions. Source: Reuters

Amazon sells hardware to Chinese cloud partners to comply with local laws

By | 15 November, 2017

AMAZON.COM INC.’s cloud-computing service has sold computing equipment used for its cloud services in China to its local partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co, the company announced on Tuesday.

Amazon said it made the sale to comply with Chinese laws that forbids non-Chinese companies from owning or operating certain technologies for cloud services.

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The company added, however, that is remained committed to its business in China.

In a statement AWS said: “To comply with Chinese law, AWS sold certain physical infrastructure assets to Sinnet, its long time Chinese partner and AWS seller-of-record for its AWS China (Beijing) Region.”

“AWS continues to own the intellectual property for AWS Services worldwide. ‎We’re excited about the significant business we have in China and its growth potential over the next number of years.”

Many US companies operating in China have faced pressure to comply with the government’s desire to further tighten regulation on the country’s already heavily censored internet.

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Earlier this year, AWS Chinese customers were contacted by Beijing Sinnet Technology Co by email asking them to delete tools, including VPNs, enabling them to circumvent the country’s wide ranging system of internet filters.

The news highlights the challenges foreign internet firms face operating within China. In the past, US companies have complained about an uneven playing field for overseas providers in China’s cloud computing industry.

 

** A previous version of this article erroneously suggested that AWS sold its business in China. The error has since been corrected and is seriously regretted.



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@Heidivel

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Heidi Vella is a freelance energy and technology journalist based in London. Her interests include smart cities, clean energy, emerging markets and technology innovation. Prior to working freelance, Heidi spent four years’ covering all things technology and energy-related for London-based Progressive Digital Media.

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