A statement from the company on the opening of the new offices in the city of Sunnyvale explained that the plan is to see the new space foster a “collaborative environment that promotes innovation and productivity”. The offices cover some 237,121 square feet within the Moffett Towers complex.
Its latest commitment to offices in California comes at what could be a crucial time for Microsoft as it aims to take on Apple in the booming tablet computer sector, now a key battleground for the world’s leading consumer tech companies. With Apple dominating market share in the sector so far, thanks to the popularity of its various iPad incarnations, Microsoft recently launched a new competitor device called the ‘Surface’ after a considerable research and development effort.
“The opening of the Moffett Towers office represents our commitment to Microsoft Silicon Valley as a strategic location for the company in the heart of a rich technology ecosystem and talent pool,” said Qi Lu, the company’s president of online services.
“Microsoft has a long history in Silicon Valley, and we look forward to continuing our legacy on the forefront of technology in the area,” he added.
In addition to opening a new office space, Microsoft has initiated the construction of its own campus facility in Silicon Valley in Mountain View. Meanwhile, on the East Coast of America, an increasing number of software, technology, and media businesses, including Microsoft, are setting up operations out of office space in New York, particularly in the district knowingly referred to as ‘Silicon Alley’ in Manhattan.
Editor’s notes: Microsoft leased 240,000 square feet of office space at Moffett Towers in Sunnyvale; however, it was announced in 2018 that its space was back on the market.
As of July 2024, Microsoft occupied its 32-acre campus at 1045 La Avenida Street in Mountain View in Silicon Valley.