Amazon has just fired a shot across Microsoft’s bow with plans to open a Redmond-based office that will house up to 600 AWS employees.
Amazon has been increasing its presence in the Redmond area, with the city being chosen for Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite endeavor. The company’s new offices, however, will host AWS engineering teams.
It’s likely no accident Amazon has chosen Redmond for its new offices. In recent years, Microsoft Azure has emerged as the strongest competitor to AWS, so having a presence in Microsoft’s backyard makes sense.
Officials for both Amazon and Redmond touted the announcement as one that would benefit the city, as well as Amazon’s employees.
“Our new Redmond office is part of our plan to continue growing and creating jobs in the Puget Sound region,” said John Schoettler, Amazon’s vice president of global real estate and facilities. “In addition to Redmond’s strong existing talent pool and close access to our Seattle and Bellevue locations, these new facilities will also provide more flexible work options for employees, allowing us to continue our sustainable growth in the region for years to come.”
“We are thrilled that Amazon has decided to create even more jobs and further invest in Redmond,” said Angela Birney, mayor of Redmond. “As we look to the future and people are able to get back to work, Amazon’s commitment to providing jobs for the community by utilizing existing talent in the Puget Sound Region will continue to strengthen Redmond’s growth and prosperity now and for years to come.”