Report: Microsoft Scouting Atlanta Sites

Is Microsoft scouting for potential data center sites in the Atlanta area? The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports on chatter in the local real estate community that Microsoft is seeking 50 to 60 acres of land in Lithia Springs, a western suburb of Atlanta that's home to several data centers.

Microsoft has been in building mode recently, having announced data center expansions in Iowa and Virginia. But the company says any current site evaluation activity is simply part of a regular review of its infrastructure options.

"We have no other facilities to announce at this time," said Christian Belady, General Manager of Data Center Services for Microsoft. "As demand grows for our Online, Live, and Cloud services, Microsoft is taking educated steps to anticipate growth in its cloud infrastructure. We are continuously exploring new regions where infrastructure may be needed. These explorations are part of our regular business operations to investigate potential data center locations across the world."

The Atlanta region is home to data centers for Google and Twitter, along with providers like QTS, Equinix, Telx, Internap and SunGard, along with numerous Fortune 500 companies.