Server Maker Super Micro to Ditch ‘Made-in-China’ Parts ⇥ asia.nikkei.com

Cheng Ting-Fang and Lauly Li, Nikkei Asian Review:

Super Micro Computer, the California-based server maker at the heart of spy chip allegations last autumn, has told suppliers to move production out of China to address U.S. customers’ concerns about cyber espionage risks, according to industry sources familiar with the matter.

Super Micro, the world’s third-largest server maker by shipments after HP and Dell, has strongly denied allegations made last October that its Chinese made motherboards had been implanted with malignant chips to hack big tech customers such as Apple and Amazon. Independent testing showed no evidence of the claims made by Bloomberg Businessweek, the group has said.

Nevertheless, U.S. customers and especially government-related clients have asked Super Micro not to supply them with motherboards made in China because of security concerns, according to one company executive.

Decentralizing the world’s manufacturing is probably a net benefit, especially when it’s located within a totalitarian police state. It’s not a great idea for the world to base its economy and communications on a country with an appalling human rights record.

Nevertheless, it is worth reiterating that the Businessweek story that triggered this move has not been corroborated by any other news organization — even in part. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt are very powerful emotions, indeed.