SA - becoming a data center hub (San Antonio, Anton: mortgage, salary)

[austindoxie1972]

Some communities don't want data centers -- they are huge, huge users of electricity, for one thing. I know technological advances are being made, but they really do use a ton of power. Data centers also don't provide many high-paying jobs. But, in a state with no income tax, the lack of high-paying jobs is not an issue. The SA economic development folks [bank-rolled by CPS] would rather have high electricity-using companies move into the area.

[tgannaway89]

The jobs they provide are high paying, and technology is big business. Not the biggest boost for the economy, but certainly a shot in the right direction.

[rd2007]

Originally Posted by Insomniac

The amount of jobs this one data center creates is just topping on an otherwise rich dessert. The trickle down effect alone is enough to warrant any excitement for this data center but he big dog here is the simple fact that Microsoft's name is stamped on this. Believe it or not this opens the eyes to many other technology orientated companies to San Antonio who would have otherwise not even bothered second guessing this city.

That's exactly right.. SA's major problem is it's a city that people have heard of, but they don't really know why. MS is a company EVERYONE has heard of and everyone knows exactly why. They ARE software, pure and simple.
I personally view this as a huge boon for the city and other good things are going to follow them here.. Think of them as the Pied Piper leading other high tech companies to SA.
As far as electricity, DC's eat a LOT of electricity and they look for places where they can get it cheap. Electricity is cheap in SA and that's good for the DC's and good for those of us that live here. I'll never complain about not having to pay a lot for it... and yes, of course the city has an interest in this because they get a chunk of the pie from CPS. That's no different than any other city government. Besides, try living without a DC.. I think you need to research a little more on what they provide. You can't really do anything in this modern world without them..
Watching the economy crumble all over the country is an ugly sight, but it's a lot better watching it from a booming place like SA. Only things crumbling around here are the roads from all the rain. Enjoy it

[lockheed1]

Originally Posted by austindoxie1972

Some communities don't want data centers -- they are huge, huge users of electricity, for one thing. I know technological advances are being made, but they really do use a ton of power. Data centers also don't provide many high-paying jobs. But, in a state with no income tax, the lack of high-paying jobs is not an issue. The SA economic development folks [bank-rolled by CPS] would rather have high electricity-using companies move into the area.

Microsoft's investment of $550 million will provide immediate tax revenue for the Northside Independent School District of about $8.7 million annually and another $1.3 million to the Bexar County Hospital District.
This is one data center i think there is something like 5 that are going in the area. A huge boost to NISD.I read somewhere, NISD received 56 million upfront allready. Maybe just maybe the taxpayers will get a little relief from this someday.

[infinity & beyond]

Anything is good for SA, no matter how small. You can't get a dollar without a penny, right? That said, it still has a LONG way to go but anything that brings an educated workforce, has to do with technology, and a higher skill set is an asset.

[tgannaway89]

Originally Posted by infinity & beyond

Anything is good for SA, no matter how small. You can't get a dollar without a penny, right? That said, it still has a LONG way to go but anything that brings an educated workforce, has to do with technology, and a higher skill set is an asset.

That bothers me. Are there people that really save a hundred pennies to exchange for a dollar? And with that said, isn't there talk of getting rid of the penny all together? I dispute what you say... yes you can get a dollar without a penny. You can use 4 quarters, 10 dimes, or 20 nickels.

[austindoxie1972]

When Washington Mutual came to SA, they told the city and Bexar County the average salary would be $46,000 to $50,000. They got their tax abatement, agreement to build over the Edwards Aquifer and then arrived with the same-old $10 buck an hour call center jobs slung over their shoulders.

[winst0n]

Originally Posted by austindoxie1972

When Washington Mutual came to SA, they told the city and Bexar County the average salary would be $46,000 to $50,000. They got their tax abatement, agreement to build over the Edwards Aquifer and then arrived with the same-old $10 buck an hour call center jobs slung over their shoulders.

they probably said average, not starting $46K. And why would you pay someone $46K annual just for answering phone calls?? of course depends on your job position.

[pr57001]

I do not understand the logic of many of the cynics. You do not get a choice: "Would you like a data center? or would you like a call center? or would you like a reseach and development center?"

These projects are not mutually exclusive and should be embraced regardless, if for no other reason then the tax contribution to the school district and the prestige of the Microsoft name.

[smuboy86]

Originally Posted by austindoxie1972

When Washington Mutual came to SA, they told the city and Bexar County the average salary would be $46,000 to $50,000. They got their tax abatement, agreement to build over the Edwards Aquifer and then arrived with the same-old $10 buck an hour call center jobs slung over their shoulders.

Didn't they move in to an already built corporate park in Stone Oak? So they really didn't build it, it was built about 10 years before they got here.