Microsoft Makes San Antonio "A Force"

Few announcements have done more to boost data center development in a single area than Microsoft's decision to build a mammoth new data center in San Antonio. This morning city officials and Microsoft executives celebrated the official opening of the $550 million, 477,000 square foot facility, which will help power Microsoft’s Online and Live Services.

“This Microsoft facility insures that San Antonio will be a force in the growth of the internet business,” said Mario Hernandez, president of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. "We continue to see the growth of new data centers and expect to attract hardware and software companies that support the industry."

The Microsoft project has established the Westover Hills area as a significant data center hub, which also hosts current or future projects for Stream Realty, Christus Health Systems, Valero Energy, Frost Bank and Power Loft.

“This next-generation facility reaffirms San Antonio’s future in technology and our overall economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger.

"The data center not only provides additional capacity for our Online and Live Services customers, it also showcases building and operations innovations that reflect the industry’s leading environmental practices," said Debra Chrapaty, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Global Foundation Services. "One of the unique features of the San Antonio area is their great recycled water systems. As part of our commitment to the environment, we’re using approximately 8 million gallons of water (per month) from this system for our data center cooling needs."

“Microsoft’s decision to strengthen its presence in San Antonio has already greatly benefited our local economy by creating hundreds of construction jobs for this facility," said U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez. "Our city's partnership with the industry leader on this venture has clearly proven that San Antonio can play a significant role in Microsoft's bright future.”

The data center also reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to the San Antonio community. Microsoft recently awarded to Alamo Area Community Information System (AACIS) a grant worth more than $450,600 in cash and software. AACIS is a community non-profit committed to providing computer data, computer information and computer literacy classes in English and Spanish.