The top 10 colocation hosting providers: your guide to the best server colocation services

The Top 10 Colocation Hosting Providers: Your Guide to the Best Server Colocation Services

Contents

The Top 10 Colocation Hosting Providers: Your Guide to the Best Server Colocation Services
- Introduction: Navigating the digital infrastructure imperative
1. What is colocation hosting and why does it matter for your business?
- 1.1 Detailed definition of colocation hosting
- 1.2 Key benefits and why colocation matters (cost, performance, security)
2. Key factors to consider when selecting colocation hosting services
3. The top 10 colocation hosting providers: A comprehensive review and colocation reviews top list
4. Choosing the best server colocation services for your enterprise: Key decision points
Conclusion: Empowering your infrastructure decisions
Frequently Asked Questions about Colocation Hosting

Introduction: Navigating the digital infrastructure imperative

Businesses today face a growing need for strong, safe, and flexible IT setups. This is because data is always growing, rules about data are getting stricter, and companies need to make sure their services never stop. Dealing with all these needs can be tough.

This is where colocation hosting comes in. It is a smart choice that lets organizations put their own computer servers and network gear inside a special building owned by another company. This way, businesses get to use fancy facilities with great power, cooling, security, and network connections. They get all these benefits without the big costs or daily hassles of running their own server room.

This blog post is here to give you a clear look at the top 10 colocation hosting providers. We will go deep into what each one offers. Our goal is to give you a definitive colocation reviews top list.

This guide is made for IT leaders, especially those looking at data center colocation for enterprises. It will help you make good choices when comparing the best server colocation services for your advanced, company-level IT needs. We at HostingClerk want to help you find the perfect home for your vital digital assets.

1. What is colocation hosting and why does it matter for your business?

Colocation hosting is a vital service in the world of modern computing infrastructure. It offers a way for businesses to get top-notch data center services without having to build and maintain their own large facilities. We will break down what it means and why it is important.

1.1 Detailed definition of colocation hosting

When you choose colocation, you are doing something specific with your IT hardware:

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You still own and control your physical servers and storage devices. This means you have full power over your hardware choices and how they are set up.
These servers are physically kept in a professional, third-party data center facility. This facility specializes in housing IT equipment for many different companies.
You get to use the provider’s shared infrastructure. This shared setup offers many important features, including:
- Redundant power systems: This means there are backup power sources like generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). They make sure your servers stay on, even if the main power goes out.
- Advanced cooling systems: These systems keep your servers from getting too hot, which helps them run better and last longer. This often includes special air conditioning units and ways to manage hot and cold air.
- Fire suppression: These facilities have special systems to put out fires quickly without harming your equipment.
- Strong network access: You get fast and reliable connections to the internet and other networks.
- Multi-layered physical security: This includes trained guards, special entry systems using fingerprints or eye scans, video cameras all around, and strict rules for who can get in.
- Around-the-clock monitoring and support staff: Experts are always watching the facility and are ready to help if something goes wrong.

1.2 Key benefits and why colocation matters (cost, performance, security)

Colocation hosting matters greatly for many businesses. It brings several key benefits that are hard to achieve with an in-house setup:

Enhanced uptime and reliability: Leading colocation providers offer very high uptime guarantees, often reaching 99.9999%. This means your services will almost never go down, keeping your business running smoothly and minimizing costly disruptions. These industry-leading Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are a cornerstone of reliable IT operations.
Superior connectivity: Colocation facilities often have direct, fast access to many top network carriers, internet exchange points, and major cloud platforms. This helps your applications run faster and your users have a better experience, thanks to low-latency network connections.
Regulatory compliance: Many data centers are certified to meet important standards like HIPAA (for healthcare data), PCI DSS (for credit card payments), SOC 2 (for data security), and ISO 27001 (for information security management). Choosing such a data center makes it easier for your business to meet these strict rules and avoid penalties.
Scalability on demand: As your business grows, your IT needs can change quickly. Colocation gives you the flexibility to easily add more space, power, or internet bandwidth without making big, costly investments in new buildings or infrastructure. This means you can scale up without major headaches.
Significant cost savings: Colocation hosting helps you save money in many ways. It removes the need for big upfront spending on building and equipping your own data center. It also cuts down on daily operational costs like power, cooling, and security staff. This lets your IT team focus on managing your important applications and data, instead of worrying about facility upkeep.

2. Key factors to consider when selecting colocation hosting services

Choosing the right colocation provider is a big decision for any business. It involves looking at many important details to make sure your servers are safe, always running, and can grow with your needs. Here are the main things we believe you should consider.

2.1 Data center specifications

The physical characteristics of the data center are critical.

Tier classification: Look for facilities with a Tier III or Tier IV rating. Tier III means the facility is “concurrently maintainable,” so you can do maintenance without downtime. Tier IV means it is “fault-tolerant,” designed to keep running even if a major system fails. These tiers guarantee very high uptime and redundancy.
Power redundancy: Ensure the provider offers N+1 or 2N power redundancy. N+1 means there is at least one backup component for every critical system. 2N means there are two completely independent systems. This setup prevents power outages from affecting your servers.
Cooling systems: Check for robust cooling infrastructure. This includes computer room air conditioner (CRAC) units, hot aisle/cold aisle containment, and other advanced systems. Good cooling is vital for keeping servers at optimal temperatures, preventing slowdowns, and extending their lifespan.

2.2 Security measures

Security is about more than just a locked door; it is about multiple layers of protection.

Physical security: The data center should have strong physical security. This means on-site security guards, biometric entry systems (like fingerprint or iris scans), continuous CCTV surveillance, mantraps (small, secure areas that only allow one person through at a time), and strict access controls.
Cybersecurity: While colocation focuses on physical hardware, the provider’s network infrastructure should also have a strong cybersecurity posture to protect against online threats to shared network services.

2.3 Network connectivity

Fast and reliable network connections are a must for modern businesses.

Multiple carriers: A good colocation provider offers access to multiple network carriers. This gives you choices for better pricing and provides redundancy, so if one carrier has an issue, your connection stays up.
High-bandwidth options: Make sure the facility can provide the high-bandwidth options you need, especially if you handle large amounts of data or have many users. Direct cloud interconnects to major cloud providers are also a big plus.
Low-latency routing: This means your data travels very quickly from your servers to your users or other services. Low-latency routing ensures optimal application performance.

2.4 Location considerations

Where your data center is located can have a significant impact.

Proximity: Consider how close the data center is to your main operations. This makes it easier for your team to access your equipment if needed and helps with disaster recovery planning.
Disaster risk: Think about the geographical disaster risks of the location, such as flooding, earthquakes, or severe weather. Choosing a location with lower natural disaster risk is crucial for business continuity.
Data sovereignty: Depending on your business and where your customers are, data residency laws might require your data to stay within certain country borders. Make sure the data center’s location helps you comply with these data sovereignty rules.

2.5 Support services

Even with the best hardware, you will need support.

Remote hands: Look for 24/7 remote hands services. This means the data center staff can perform basic tasks like restarting a server, swapping a hard drive, or checking a cable on your behalf, around the clock.
On-site technical staff: The availability of expert technical staff on-site for emergencies or complex troubleshooting is very valuable.

2.6 Compliance & certifications

Meeting industry standards is often non-negotiable.

Verification: You must verify that the provider supports industry-specific compliance standards relevant to your enterprise. This could include HIPAA for healthcare data, PCI DSS for payment processing, SOC 2 for security and availability, and ISO 27001 for information security management. Documented certifications are essential proof.

2.7 Scalability & flexibility

Your IT needs will likely grow and change.

Room for growth: The provider should offer the ability to expand your rack space, add private cages, or accommodate custom configurations for hybrid IT setups. This ensures your infrastructure can grow as your business does.

2.8 Pricing structure

Understand all the costs upfront.

Transparency: Always seek transparent breakdowns of costs. This includes fees for rack space, power consumption (often metered), bandwidth usage, remote hands services, and cross-connects (links between different networks within the data center). Avoid providers with hidden fees.

3. The top 10 colocation hosting providers: A comprehensive review and colocation reviews top list

This section offers a curated colocation reviews top list of the leading providers. We have identified these industry leaders for data center colocation for enterprises based on their reputation, infrastructure, services, and how well they suit various enterprise needs. These companies are widely considered among the best server colocation services globally, providing robust homes for critical IT assets.

Here’s our detailed look at the top 10 colocation hosting providers:

3.1 1. Equinix

Overview: Equinix is the largest global provider, with over 268 data centers across more than 70 cities. It spans over 34 million square feet worldwide.
Key strengths & USPs: Equinix offers unmatched global reach and the best network interconnectivity. It boasts an incredible 99.9999% uptime guarantee. It also provides direct connections to over 3,000 cloud and IT providers, making it highly ready for AI and advanced workloads. Equinix shows strong progress in using green energy.
Ideal for: Large companies, global operations across many regions, and businesses needing extensive connections to clouds and networks.
Why among the best server colocation services: Its sheer size, extreme reliability, and vast ecosystem make it a top choice for mission-critical deployments around the world.

3.2 2. Digital Realty

Overview: Digital Realty operates more than 290 data centers across over 50 cities worldwide, offering a significant global footprint.
Key strengths & USPs: It provides a vast and highly interconnected data center ecosystem. Digital Realty is a leader in sustainability efforts within the data center industry. It also offers a broad global presence to meet diverse needs.
Ideal for: Large companies, hyperscale cloud providers, and organizations with major global data center needs who also care about sustainability.
Why among the best server colocation services: Its worldwide scale and focus on interconnected solutions fit well with the demands of advanced enterprise infrastructure.

3.3 3. NTT Global Data Centers (NTT GDC)

Overview: NTT GDC manages over 100 data centers globally, with a very strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
Key strengths & USPs: Known for being carrier-neutral, which means you can choose from many network providers. It offers large-scale deployments and has advanced security rules. It also has a strong presence in key international markets.
Ideal for: Multinational corporations, especially those needing strong network connections and compliant facilities in Asia-Pacific and European areas.
Why among the best server colocation services: Its strong international footprint and allowing choice of network providers offer great flexibility for global businesses.

3.4 4. Centersquare (Evoque + Cyxtera)

Overview: Centersquare brings together the data center assets of Evoque and Cyxtera, operating more than 70 sites mainly focused in North America.
Key strengths & USPs: This combined entity offers broad capacity and reliable services for businesses across the North American market, benefiting from significant consolidation in the data center industry.
Ideal for: US-based companies looking for complete colocation solutions and wide geographic coverage within the region.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their combined expertise provides reliability and ample capacity for North American businesses.

3.5 5. Iron Mountain

Overview: Iron Mountain operates 18 global locations, with a strong presence in the US, Europe, and India.
Key strengths & USPs: Renowned for extremely secure facilities, including unique underground vaults for highly sensitive data. It has a strong position on compliance and offers hybrid colocation options. The company also has capabilities for rapid expansion.
Ideal for: Highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, which demand the highest levels of security and compliance for their data.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their intense focus on security and strict compliance makes them perfect for sensitive data.

3.6 6. QTS Realty Trust

Overview: QTS manages 24 data center campuses across the United States.
Key strengths & USPs: Offers a “3Cs” hybrid platform, meaning Colocation, Cloud, and Connectivity. It is known for strong compliance frameworks and flexible options for scaling up or down.
Ideal for: Government agencies, financial institutions, and cloud-focused organizations needing a robust infrastructure based in the US.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their hybrid approach and focus on compliance serve a wide range of business needs.

3.7 7. Switch

Overview: Switch operates very large campuses in the US, especially in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.
Key strengths & USPs: Specializes in hyperscale, very secure, and energy-efficient data centers. All their facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy, which is a major environmental benefit.
Ideal for: Hyperscale deployments, gaming companies, and large technology businesses with very high demands for power and cooling.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their ability to handle massive scale and their dedication to renewable energy make them stand out.

3.8 8. CoreSite

Overview: CoreSite features 28 US data centers across 11 important markets.
Key strengths & USPs: Offers strong integration with cloud services and excellent interconnectivity. It provides direct links to major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Ideal for: Companies that prioritize direct cloud connections, use hybrid cloud strategies, and need fast, low-latency access to public cloud services.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their focus on cloud integration is essential for modern businesses that use cloud-first strategies.

3.9 9. CyrusOne

Overview: CyrusOne operates 26 facilities in the United States.
Key strengths & USPs: Known for quick deployment capabilities and high-density power options, which are perfect for AI and other intensive workloads. They also offer custom build-to-suit solutions and have a strong commitment to sustainability.
Ideal for: Large companies, businesses with heavy AI workloads, and organizations needing flexible, high-density infrastructure solutions.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their ability to handle high-density computing and offer customized deployments supports advanced technology needs.

3.10 10. Telehouse

Overview: Telehouse has a global presence, with particular strength in London and across Asia.
Key strengths & USPs: Provides integrated colocation and network connectivity hubs, boasting a strong presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions.
Ideal for: International companies and European/Asian businesses that need well-connected data centers in these key regions.
Why among the best server colocation services: Their strategically located international hubs greatly help global business operations.

3.11 Notable mentions

Beyond the top 10 colocation hosting providers, other significant players also contribute to the industry. These include Global Switch, which operates major data center campuses primarily in Europe and Asia-Pacific. GDS Holdings is a specialist in China and the Asia-Pacific region, supporting hyperscale growth in these markets. For smaller businesses, niche providers like Liquid Web and InterServer offer colocation services with high ratings for managed support, making them suitable for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who need more hands-on assistance.

4. Choosing the best server colocation services for your enterprise: Key decision points

Finding the absolute best server colocation services for your business is not a one-size-fits-all task. It requires a careful look at what your company needs and how well a provider can meet those needs. This process is especially important for data center colocation for enterprises, which often have complex and critical requirements.

4.1 Tailoring colocation to specific business needs

The colocation provider you choose must align perfectly with your overall IT strategy. You need to consider your future growth plans, how much you can spend, and any specific rules or compliance you must follow.

IT strategy alignment: Your colocation choice should fit smoothly with your plans for hybrid cloud setups and how much risk your operations can handle. It needs to support your long-term vision.
Geographic diversity: For good disaster recovery and to make sure your business can always keep running, having your data in different places is key. This also helps meet rules about where data must be kept.
Support and SLAs: You need clear promises (Service Level Agreements) about things like power, network uptime, how fast they respond to problems, and if they offer 24/7 “remote hands” services. These guarantees are vital for peace of mind.
Security and compliance: Reiterate the importance of checking that the provider meets all your specific industry rules. This means they should have documented certifications and strong security protocols in place.
Scalability: Make sure the provider can easily add more power and rack space as your business grows. This flexibility is crucial to support increasing demand without needing to move your equipment.
Integration: Consider how well the provider connects to major cloud services. A vibrant ecosystem of partners and readily available cross-connects (direct links between different networks within the data center) are also important for seamless integration.

4.2 Special considerations for large organizations and data center colocation for enterprises

For bigger companies and those with enterprise-level needs, there are extra points to think about.

Multiple region coverage & global NOCs: Large enterprises often need providers with extensive global reach. This means having data centers in many different regions and global Network Operations Centers (NOCs) that can monitor and manage services worldwide. This is important for redundancy and supporting international operations.
Advanced monitoring & management: Look for providers that offer sophisticated monitoring tools and easy-to-use management interfaces, often through web portals. These should integrate well with your existing cloud infrastructure, giving you a full view of your systems.
Dedicated & customizable support: For complex enterprise environments, tailored support tiers are very valuable. This might include a dedicated account manager and highly negotiated Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that meet your specific, detailed needs.

4.3 Importance of due diligence

Meticulous due diligence is critical to make sure your infrastructure investments are solid for the future. This means:

On-site visits: If possible, visit the data centers you are considering. See the facility for yourself, inspect the security, and meet the staff.
Thorough contract review: Read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand all the terms, conditions, and what is included.
Detailed SLA negotiation: Negotiate your Service Level Agreement to ensure it meets all your performance, uptime, and support requirements. Do not leave anything to chance.

By taking these steps, you can confidently choose a colocation partner that will truly support your business goals and safeguard your digital assets.

Conclusion: Empowering your infrastructure decisions

In today’s fast-moving digital world, strategic colocation hosting is absolutely key. It forms the foundation for organizations that need enterprise-class reliability, strong guarantees for regulatory compliance, and the ability to scale their operations easily. It is not just about finding a place for your servers; it is about choosing a strategic partner for your IT infrastructure.

Selecting from the top 10 colocation hosting options we have explored means you need to carefully and thoroughly compare your business’s unique needs against what each provider offers. Every enterprise has different demands, and the perfect match will boost your operational strength.

We hope this colocation reviews top list empowers you to make informed decisions. Use this guide to find the best server colocation services that truly align with your operational goals. The right choice will support your digital transformation initiatives and ensure your critical servers are housed in an optimal, secure, and future-ready environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colocation Hosting

What is colocation hosting?

Colocation hosting allows businesses to place their privately owned servers and network hardware within a third-party data center facility. This arrangement enables organizations to leverage the provider’s advanced infrastructure, including redundant power, cooling, security, and high-speed network connections, without the capital expenditure and operational burden of maintaining their own data center.

Why does colocation hosting matter for my business?

Colocation is crucial for businesses seeking enhanced uptime and reliability (often 99.9999% guaranteed), superior network connectivity, and simplified regulatory compliance. It offers scalability on demand to accommodate growth and significant cost savings by eliminating the need for in-house data center construction and operational expenses.

What key factors should I consider when selecting a colocation provider?

Key factors include data center specifications (Tier classification, power/cooling redundancy), robust security measures (physical and cybersecurity), network connectivity (multiple carriers, high-bandwidth options), location considerations (proximity, disaster risk, data sovereignty), 24/7 support services (remote hands, on-site staff), compliance certifications, scalability options, and transparent pricing structures.

How can colocation hosting assist with regulatory compliance?

Many colocation data centers are certified to meet stringent industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. By choosing a compliant facility, businesses can more easily satisfy their regulatory obligations for data security and privacy, avoiding potential penalties and ensuring their operations adhere to necessary legal frameworks.

What is the importance of due diligence when choosing a colocation partner?

Meticulous due diligence is vital to ensure your IT infrastructure investment is future-proof and secure. This involves conducting on-site visits to assess facilities firsthand, thoroughly reviewing all contract terms and conditions, and meticulously negotiating Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to guarantee all performance, uptime, and support requirements are met.

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