Oracle Confirms $285M Utah Data Center

Oracle Corp. (ORCL) today confirmed plans to build a $285 million data center facility in West Jordan, Utah. Oracle will break ground on the 200,000 square foot facility this summer, and expects to begin operations in early 2010.

"Oracle is committed to providing our customers with the highest-level of service, and this new facility will allow us to support our growing On Demand business, as well as the technology infrastructure to support our research and development and customer service requirements," said Oracle President Safra Catz. "We are delighted to be creating a significant new presence in Utah."

The announcement follows The State of Utah's position to offer up to $15 million in tax incentives to the database software giant. The Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development, local government, utilities and the private sector all contributed to the in an effort to win the Oracle project, which is expected to house around 100 employees, with wages twice the Salt Lake County average.

"We would like to thank Oracle for choosing Utah as the site for their facility," said Governor Jon Huntsman. "Major corporations need a well- trained and highly-skilled workforce, and the quality of Utah's workforce and our increasing focus on workforce development are crucial aspects for Oracle."

"Oracle's commitment to substantially increase its presence in Utah is excellent news," said Senator Orrin Hatch. "For several years, I have been providing Oracle's top executives with details about what makes Utah such a great place to do business. Oracle is a well-run company with a history of success and this announcement underscores what a great environment Utah maintains for businesses and families."

"Oracle will be an asset to our city," said West Jordan Mayor David Newton. "We are thrilled they selected West Jordan as the site for their project. Oracle is the world's largest enterprise software company, with a well-deserved reputation for offering superior employment opportunities, engaging with and giving back to the community. We look forward to our partnership with them."

Last month, it appeared that Oracle was about to buy property in Meridian, Idaho for the huge data center project. The deal fell apart at the last minute, with local media reporting that a property owner had raised their price in the late stages of negotiations.

Oracle has a Tier IV data center in Austin, Texas.