Microsoft’s $3.3B AI Campus: Advancing Investments in Cloud & AI

MetaversePlanet May 10, 2024Last Updated: October 22, 2024

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Microsoft continues to expand its investments in artificial intelligence and cloud technologies without slowing down. The company plans to establish a $3.3 billion data center campus in the US.

Microsoft has acquired a site previously purchased by Foxconn for an LCD panel production facility. However, unlike its former owner, Microsoft will focus on generating information rather than panels. The software giant intends to develop a data center campus at this location, aiming to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities.

$3.3 billion investment from Microsoft

In fact, Foxconn had initiated an LCD production project in Wisconsin, USA. However, this project faced years of delays, and over time, Microsoft purchased the land allocated for Foxconn’s endeavor. Ultimately, Foxconn withdrew from the project, allowing Microsoft to take full control of the site. Microsoft plans to construct a data center in this area and has pledged to equip 100,000 individuals across the state with skills in AI technologies like Copilot. Additionally, Microsoft aims to train and certify 3,000 local AI software developers and 1,000 cloud data center technicians. The investment is valued at $3.3 billion.

Microsoft highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to evolve next-generation manufacturing facilities, upskill employees, and generate jobs. Meanwhile, there is concern among workers about AI replacing their jobs. Nevertheless, Microsoft laid the foundation for this site at the end of last year. Currently, the exact details of the data center project remain undisclosed, but it is expected to include at least four data centers.

Furthermore, Microsoft is reportedly developing a 250-megawatt solar power plant in Wisconsin. The company also plans to use a recycled water cooling system at the facility, which operates in a closed loop and requires no additional water after initial startup. Once completed, the facility is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs.