Microsoft: Design not connected to Iowa summers

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Microsoft says a decision to use a different type of modular building at its data center expansion in West Des Moines is because it’s more cost effective and efficient and has nothing to do with Iowa’s steamy summers.

The Redmond, Wash., company said yesterday the designs are developed to address the weather conditions of the regions where they’re located.

The Des Moines Register reported yesterday that the company was changing the design. West Des Moines city planner Lynne Twedt had said it’s because the current modular facilities don’t work so well in the Iowa humidity.

Microsoft spokesman Christian Belady says the decision to go with a different design “has nothing to do with Iowa’s weather.”