Last week, a Nyquist Capital analyst indicated that Google may have developed its own 10 Gb/s Ethernet switches. The switches are allegedly deployed in Google's own data center and are used for connecting servers.

Based on Andrew Schmitt's conversations with sources in the know, Schmitt believes that the Google switches deviate from established 10 Gb standards, and are designed specifically for Google's needs.

If the report is true, it would be consistent with Google's approach to its servers and other data center components, which are typically a mashup of off-the-shelf and customized components. Google is unlikely to mainstream the devices, however it does show that large corporate users are no small potatoes when it comes to their effect on the market for networking gear.

Schmitt was initially turned on to the idea when he tried to explain gaps in the flow of component shipments. He concludes that Google started rethinking its data center hardware strategy about a year ago and began customizing switching gear for its own use. This would not be the first time Google has affected the hardware market. Last year, Global Crossing execs indicated that Google may be impacting the demand for GC's dark fiber.