Microsoft leases space for growth

Microsoft Licensing will add a 60,000 square feet to its south Reno offices as it leases space in two buildings in the Sierra Center technology park, adjacent to its existing location.

The transaction was handled by Matt Riecken, senior vice president, office and industrial leasing for Trammel Crow.

"Our new space will provide room for job growth over the next five years," says Joel Freedman, general manager of finance.

A Microsoft spokesman declined to disclose how many people currently work for the licensing operation in Reno.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation says the company employs between 200 and 299 people in Washoe County.

Those employees will be well fed. Plans for the addition include a 6,000-square-foot kitchen and cafeteria, a grill, pizza oven, coffee bar and catering facilities.

It will be open for business and eating late this year.

Microsoft will also acquire the remaining 15,000 square feet of space in its current location at 6880 Sierra Center Parkway, available for use in early 2007. This building will be remodeled to include an employee lounge seeded with Xbox360 consoles and an espresso bar. The amenities are meant to attract employees.

"A growing number of companies are moving their treasury operations here," says Dave Archer, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. "The one and only Charles Schwab bank branch is here. Cisco Systems' treasury operations are here."

Financially-related businesses locate here because of Nevada's friendly tax and business environment, Archer says.

He adds, "Any time a company expands, it's a vote of confidence for the area. And the number of expansions continues to grow significantly."

Microsoft Licensing, GP located in Reno in 1997. The licensing headquarters in Reno primarily handles software purchase by large corporate clients.

When computer users "buy" software such as Microsoft Office, they have not actually purchased the product; rather, they have purchased a lease. That's why built-in copy protection prohibits the buyer from "sharing" or giving copies to others.Next spring, when the annual Governor's Cup student business plan competition rolls around, Archer says he hopes to involve Microsoft as a sponsor.

"I think it would be a great fit," he says.

Microsoft awarded nearly $65,000 in software donations to nonprofit organizations in Nevada, with more than $14,000 awarded to Reno groups through TechSoup.

Microsoft also just completed its Community Action Week, where employees volunteered over 1,000 hours to aid a variety of northern Nevada nonprofit organizations.