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What are the next moves of Microsoft for the strategic investment of data centers in the Mediterranean

Her Matinas Harkoftaki

Microsoft says it is determined to proceed with the implementation of the large-scale project for the creation of data centers in the region of Eastern Attica, while avoiding, however, to give a specific timetable for the time when the construction works are expected to start.

The main issue for the technology company is not, as he says, hunting with time, but to take thoughtful and careful steps as it is an investment with a budget of tens of millions of euros, something that does not leave much room for setbacks and wrong moves.

“Careful steps and not hurried movements”

“There are always external obstacles, which means that it is difficult to make a proper schedule due to unknown and unpredictable factors. In this context, it is certain that we are ready to invest and move the project 100% forward,” said the CEO. of Microsoft for Greece, Cyprus and Malta, Theodosis Michalopoulos in the context of a press conference on the company’s plans.

He went on to say: “In the past, projects have been announced in Greece, which were never done. On the contrary, we are working on this plan. We have already found the best partners and we are moving, taking careful steps. The most important thing is not to do no mistake, for example to buy the wrong plot or not to have provided the right energy supply “.

As Mr. Michalopoulos pointed out, the project, which has been included in the status of strategic investments, is a difficult equation with many levels, which will have to be overcome while it was enough to reiterate the assessment that in about three years the data center will has become functional.

At this stage, Microsoft has already acquired a large area in the Mediterranean and is awaiting the necessary permits to begin construction work.

Greece is not the only country, which has been chosen by the American technology giant to create data centers as at the moment similar projects are “running” in several countries simultaneously around the world.

Although Mr. Michalopoulos did not want to reveal the exact amount, however, the total amount of the investment not only meets the limit of 100 million euros set by the legal framework of strategic investments in Greece, but as it evolves is expected to exceed significantly while at least 100 jobs will be created.

The Recovery Fund and public works

Funds from the Recovery Fund are expected, among other things, to be directed to the digitization of the public sector with Microsoft closely monitoring developments in this area.

“We look forward to announcing the public works announcements that will be announced in order to submit our bids,” said the CEO of Microsoft for our country and added:

“In general, there is optimism that the procedures will run quickly in this direction. It is important to form a framework according to which the public works will be announced and the companies in turn will come down with the best offers, and then the choice and everything to proceed with greater speed and with the least possible friction because in this way we will be able to create a technologically upgraded country.

In addition, as a company, we believe that the more that is done in relation to the cloud, means that there is the possibility of a continuum while at the same time it reduces the possibility for the public to buy systems that will not be used “.

Regarding the performance of Microsoft for the current financial year, Mr. Michalopoulos noted that this year is a very good year for the company worldwide.

“According to expectations, the performance for the fourth quarter (the year ends in July) will be one of the best we have ever achieved and in the Greek market we follow the global growth rates of the group while sometimes we may run even faster due to the lower base “, pointed out Mr. Michalopoulos.

The big bet for our country is the digitization of small and medium enterprises, which, as the data show, seem to be holding back on this issue.

It is indicative that 95% of the 30 large companies use the cloud, however this percentage falls even to single digits in terms of smaller Greek companies.

Source: Capital

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