Redmond has netted not just a devices and services unit and one of the most esteemed mobile hardware makers in the Nokia deal, but in many ways an entire legacy.
The remarkable Finnish company has been a source of pride for the Finns for years.
And Microsoft has promised to continue investments in the home market of the mobile phone maker. The technology titan has outlined its future plans, which include the option to build a new European data center in Finland.
Redmond is said to be trying to build a new $250 million facility in Finland, and the press release earlier this week confirms that more investments will follow in the years to come:
“Microsoft also announced that it has selected Finland as the home for a new data center that will serve Microsoft consumers in Europe. The company said it would invest more than a quarter-billion dollars in capital and operation of the new data center over the next few years, with the potential for further expansion over time.”
So not only did the Nokia deal bring Microsoft a potential new CEO in Stephen Elop, it also provides it with an option to gain further footing in the vital European market with a new facility.
Obviously, if things go according to plan, Microsoft will not be the only company that owns a data center in Finland. It will be joining its rival Google that already operates a similar facility in the country. We will probably hear more about this once the deal is finalized next year.
