Talk about search engine optimization!

Google's announced $600 million data center in Jackson County may not bring the investment and jobs of an automaker or airplane assembly plant, but economic developers believe the image boost for Alabama's technology sector could be just as significant.

"Google is such a well-known world brand, having the data center in Alabama enhances our state's brand," said Bill Sisson, president and CEO of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. "Much like Mercedes and Airbus, having a global project like this helps showcase our diversified economy and proves that Alabama is an excellent place to do business."

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said Google is a company whose very name lends validity.

"There are few brands more powerful than Google's, and the company's investment in Jackson County sends the message that Alabama is primed for high-tech projects," Canfield said. "Alabama has assembled a formidable auto industry with four top global brands, and we're positioned to become a hub of aircraft production with Airbus. We want to raise Alabama's profile in the tech sector, and we think Google's stamp of approval will help us accomplish that."