As expected, Microsoft Corp opted for the Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View site close to rival Netscape Communications Corp as the site for its new Silicon Valley campus (CI No 3,406). Microsoft’s president and heir apparent Steve Ballmer officially announced the establishment of the new 32-acre site yesterday. It will employ 800 staff and include a development laboratory and developer community center for Windows developers in Silicon Valley. Microsoft will also centralize the operations of various units at the new site, including the groups responsible for PowerPoint, Hotmail, and Macintosh internet products, as well as WebTV Networks Inc. Development at the site has already begun, and the five building campus should be completed in the summer of next year. Microsoft is expected to retain its existing Bay Area Research Center and Sidewalk offices in San Francisco, and its sales office in Redwood City.
