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Aug. 22, 2008

Early this morning, Microsoft has revealed some details about its new Iowa data center, saying that it will be located in West Des Moines and cost about $500 million to design and build.

The planning and construction of such a large project will take between one to one-and-a-half year, Microsoft general manager of data center services Michael Manos said. But this data center may take longer because it will feature Microsoft's next generation technology that will provide cutting-edge technology.

Specific details were revealed and the half-billion dollar project will occupy close to 42 acres of the Des Moines suburb and employ 50 to 75 workers with annual salaries in the range of $70,000.

Microsoft's new data center will focus on energy efficiency. The West Des Moines facility is made of server-filled containers that are easier to setup and maintain than traditional architecture, according to Microsoft.

Lower-cost electricity and some tax incentives were a major draw to Iowa, which is quickly becoming known for its tax breaks. Last month, it was believed that Microsoft was in discussion with the state about various tax incentives.

When Google negotiated their $600 million Iowa data center that it began the construction in 2007, the company was given tax exemptions on computers, electricity and related equipment used in a data center.

Microsoft's new data center is the fifth announced in 2008, following Chicago, San Antonio, Dublin and the Washington state facility in Quincy.

On average, Microsoft expects to start work on more than twenty half-million square feet data centers by the end of this year.

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Source: Microsoft Corp..