Microsoft has announced plans to invest approximately $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to develop data centers dedicated to training artificial intelligence models and deploying AI and cloud-based applications. This significant investment reflects the growing importance of AI in various industries following the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in 2022.
The demand for AI capabilities has driven companies to seek advanced computing power, leading to the need for specialized data centers that can efficiently link thousands of chips together in clusters. Microsoft has been actively investing billions to strengthen its AI infrastructure and expand its data-center network.
Analysts predict that Microsoft's capital expenditure for fiscal 2025, including capital leases, will reach $84.24 billion. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company's capital expenditure increased by 5.3% to $20 billion.
As a primary supporter of OpenAI, Microsoft is positioned as a key player in the AI race among major tech companies due to its exclusive partnership with the AI chatbot maker. Vice Chair and President Brad Smith revealed that over half of the $80 billion investment will be allocated to projects in the United States.
Smith emphasized the United States' leading position in the global AI race, attributing it to the significant investments made by American companies of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises.
