Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) announced on Friday it will invest an additional $150 million to expand its generation data center site in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, near Boydton.
The expansion will add another data center to the operation site, as well as 21 MW of electric power capacity.
Microsoft first announced in August 2010 that it would invest up to $499 million in the data center, making it the largest investment project in Southern Virginia's history.
Industry experts have speculated that the expansion of the advanced data center site is part of Microsoft's strategy to scale up its cloud computing capacity.
The project will generate 10 new jobs, adding to the 50 new jobs that were created with the construction of the original project.
"As a crucial corporate partner to Southern Virginia, I congratulate Microsoft Corp. on this additional investment in its Mecklenburg County site," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "The company's innovative data center design increases efficiency of operations, and this expansion will enhance the high-tech capabilities already in place as Microsoft continues to grow its operation."
Earlier this week, Microsoft held its Hostapaloooza roadshow event in Phoenix, Arizona, where it offered hands-on instruction and access to partners for web hosts that are already using Microsoft Service Provider Licensing Agreement.