"This project is proof that despite the down economy, SAS continues to grow and innovate," said Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS, in a release. "The growing demand by our customers for hosted solutions has given us this opportunity to invest even further in North Carolina and the Cary community."

The $70-million structure will be built to the USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards for water and energy conservation. SAS indicates that 60% of the project's construction and equipment spending will be in North Carolina, and that approximately 1,000 people will be involved in its design and construction.

The facility will include two 10,000-square-foot server farms, one of which is expected to be operational by mid-2010. The second will be constructed as a shell and completed when the firm reaches 80% capacity, according to Brown. Privately held SAS declined to reveal additional details about financing and construction of the facility.