October 5th marks one year since the event at which Microsoft announced its intention to create a data center region in Attica. Since then until today, the company has not reported on the progress of the investment, which is estimated at 400 million euros, but it looks like this will change in the coming weeks when the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
Last month, Microsoft, through its Irish subsidiary, created a sole proprietorship called Microsoft Operations 4733 Hellas with an initial share capital of € 140 million, which will reportedly continue to pursue investments in Greece.
According to the charter published on GEMI, the company’s objectives include “leasing, acquiring, operating and / or using one or more datacenters, in particular for the purpose of providing and selling Internet bandwidth”.
Microsoft legal advisor Ben Orndoff took over as chairman of the board of directors of Microsoft Operations 4733 Hellas, and Theososis Michalopoulos, CEO of Microsoft Greece, Cyprus and Malta, was named managing director.
Location is key
The location or locations Microsoft will choose to create the datacenter region remains unknown, although various information appears from time to time about the Mediterranean or Lavreotika regions. The latest information, which, however, has not received official confirmation, is in favor of Spata.
This is not an easy undertaking as the area chosen has to meet very specific requirements in terms of soil morphology, network connectivity, climate, etc.
Another element that is strengthening Microsoft’s investment is the new strategic investment regulation promoted by the Ministry of Development. A related bill that has recently been discussed and is expected to be put to a vote in parliament soon.
The proposed bill adds new forms of investment that can be described as “strategic”, such as data centers, and even with an increased construction factor.
It also introduces the category “Symbolic investments of extreme importance”, which are “carried out by reputable legal entities”, including, in particular, those that promote a green economy, innovation, technology. In fact, for a specific category, restrictions on investment and job creation will not apply, while in addition to tax and territorial benefits offered in other strategic investments, they will also be able to receive a direct subsidy.