It is fascinating to see how how Google can use logic instead of "industry standards" to design and maintain such a robust system. Where most companies will use conventional wisdom, Google does the math.
Their systems do not use off-the-shelf software, and they use mostly custom hardware. And they understand how it all works together, because they designed it that way.
Most outfits use the "nobody gets fired for buying IBM" mentality. They go with a conventional and safe choice rather than risk an analysis they will be responsible for.
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