Well, Google already distribute hardware to various ISP - it's called GGC (https://www.gstatic.com/isp/docs/ggc-installation.pdf?sjid=5...).
We (GSA) & GGC used to source our hardware from the same supplier (Dell).
We (GSA) & GGC used to source our hardware from the same supplier (Dell).
Between improved negotiating position and resilience to vendor-specific firmware bugs / vulnerabilities, the additional maintenance cost associated with supporting two or more platforms pays for itself very quickly.
Though in the case of the GGC nodes, having multiple vendors was mostly a negotiating component. If we could go to HO and order 3000 servers and have them running, Dell loses a large amount of negotiating power.
Being honest though, working with Dell was significantly better than working with HP or (especially) Equus.
Former Google Employee, on GGC.