Microsoft data center plan right on schedule

Microsoft’s investment plan for the creation of the three data centers in Attica is unreservedly moving forward. The technology giant, which in the last two years has almost doubled its human resources in Greece, will continue to create jobs, investing in Recovery Fund digital projects.

Theodosis Michalopoulos, Microsoft General Manager for Greece, Cyprus and Malta notes the company’s willingness to participate in any major using the Microsoft platform in a meeting with journalists. He also made clear that investment in datacenters is high on the Microsoft agenda, adding that the choice of Greece was the right move at the right time.

The next step, once the licensing is completed, will be the tender for the selection of the contractor for the “triple” data centers that will be developed in Spata, Koropi and Markopoulo. The strategic priority of the company is to cooperate with domestic companies, with plans being to have the 1 billion euro investment up and running within 2 to 3 years.

Antidote to inflation

Mr Michalopoulos believes that in the environment of internationally galloping inflation there are now many companies that recognize that technology helps reduce production and transportation costs, as well as the automation of processes. It also facilitates the transfer of human resources, which in the current situation is the “key” to cover the gap with which countries are increasingly facing. He also expressed his optimism for the digitization process of the country, noting that a digital momentum has been created in the public sector, which is cultivating a culture of digital transformation.

Growing demand for cloud

The digitization of Greek companies is two-speed. According to market research, 95% of the 30 largest companies in the country already use cloud technologies. However, this percentage falls below 50% when it comes to small and medium enterprises.

Following the growth rates of the group, and in some cases recording better performance, Microsoft Greece recently presented the program to support SMEs with vouchers, through the Recovery Fund. It is also modernizing partner networks to achieve greater penetration.

Seeing that the future is in low-code logic, it will give the opportunity through power apps to non-programmers, to create applications that their businesses need. These are simple applications that do not require special knowledge, such as the organization of appointments or permits.

In the same context, Mr. Michalopoulos placed special emphasis on education in digital skills, emphasizing that the country must integrate programming into schools, and at the youngest possible age.