If having a competitive advantage is a criterion for establishing either a data center or call center Georgia can help get you started with low costs, a top workforce, tax assistance and a superb infrastructure. And you will be in good company as ADP, Sungard, QTS, Publix, Hewlett Packard, UPS, Google, Synovus, Sago Networks, Travelport, AT&T and Research in Motion have data centers in Georgia.
Data Centers
Electricity is supplied by three providers: Georgia Power, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC), and the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG). The competitive advantage is that most new facilities with an initial connected load of 900 kW have a one-time choice of their electric supplier. Industrial power costs in Atlanta and Georgia are well below the national average.
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Best in the U.S.: Georgia's work force in 2009 (CNBC.com) and its Quick Start work force training program (Expansion Management). www.economy.com |
Georgia has a statewide integrated transmission system, which is not only more reliable, but also one of just a handful in the country. Georgia has also received $200 million is federal stimulus funds for the purpose of upgrading the power grid.
Tax Exemption
Computer equipment that is purchased or leased for use at the facilities of a high technology company is exempt when the total purchase (or lease) value exceeds $15 million in a single year.
Telecom
Atlanta is home is home to Georgia Centers for Advanced Telecommunications Technology (GCATT). As part of the Georgia Research Alliance, GCATT works to foster technology-based economic development across Georgia. The Georgia Electronic Design Center (GEDC) is housed at Georgia Tech and focuses on helping the state “grow and expand its technology leadership in the design of broadband (high-speed) communications systems, devices and integrated circuits.” Georgias's telecommunication services are not regulated, so there are more competitive choices.
Here are five more reasons to consider Georgia:
- There are more than 250 long distance telecommunications providers in the state
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- There are more than 500,000 fiber optic lines across the state
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- The Broadband Rural Initiative to Develop Georgia’s Economy (BRIDGE) Fund provides financial assistance including grants and loans to support deployment of high-speed broadband in rural areas of Georgia. Single county and multi-county projects can be eligible for funding.
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- Atlanta is a transmission hub for the country’s two largest fiber optic trunk routes
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- “Metro Atlanta ranks in the top five U.S. markets for total bandwidth and fiber access” (Georgia Power data center report)
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Affordable Rental Rates
Atlanta is one of the fastest growing markets in the U.S. for data center space, according to Tier 1 Research’s 2009 mid-year report. Data center supply is expected to increase through 2012.
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Forbes ranks Atlanta No. 2 in its 2009 study of "America's Most Wired Cities." www.forbes.com |
Talent
Within the University System of Georgia there are 29 institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees, post graduate degrees and continuing education certificates related to Computer and Information Sciences and Support Service. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers various degrees and certificates related to Computer Information Systems at multiple institutions around the state including a Data Center Specialist Certificate program. Nearly 35% of the residents of Atlanta aged 25 or older hold Bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Call Centers
There are 4.7 million reasons why Georgia's worforce was ranked No. 1 in the nation in 2009 by CNBC.com. In large and small communities across Georgia the labor pool is plentiful at all levels of education which is why these and other companies have taken advantage of what this state offers: ADP, Verizon Wireless, Express Scripts, AirTran Airways, GEICO, T-Mobile, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Road America, Teleperformance, Delta Air Lines, Electrolux and Sitel.
Training
Georgia's Quick Start is consistently ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for worforce training programs in Expansion Management's annual survey of site selection professionals. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers a Customer Contact Specialist certificate program, as well as a certificate program to become a Certified Customer Service Specialist.
Telecom Infrastrucure
In addition to Atlanta is at the center of the world's largest toll-free calling area which covers the roughly 5 million people in the metro area. In Georgia, state sales tax does not apply to intrastate, interstate, 1-800 or WATS calls.