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Elevating your company to the next echelon necessitates harnessing the capabilities of the best colocation providers. Initially, opting for renting IT equipment or relying on conventional web hosting may seem cost-effective. However, as your business expands to a certain scale, owning server hardware becomes more financially prudent. Consequently, you’ll reach a point where a data center is essential to accommodate your burgeoning hardware infrastructure. This is where the best colocation providers play a pivotal role, offering the space and services necessary to house and manage your expanding array of equipment.
Colocation services come into play at this point. These services involve the leasing of rack space and cabinets to the customer, which gives them the ability to install their own server hardware within the core of a data center. Making a selection on which provider to hire is not at all simple, and the question of which business to choose may appear to be overwhelming; thus, in this article, we will highlight some of the most successful companies in the sector.
We have evaluated the performance of a number of the most reputable colocation service providers from across the world to determine how well they can fulfill the requirements of your company. During the course of our investigation, we gave latency a careful examination, during which we took into account the number of data centers that a service provider makes accessible as well as the locations of those data centers.
What are Colocation Providers?
Organizations look to colocation providers to offer more than just space, power, and cooling in order to deal with data center closures, consolidations, migrations, and new “core-to-edge” efforts. Today, it’s hard to tell the difference between retail, wholesale, and managed service providers because colocation service providers offer more services to help with hybrid and digital transformation projects.
Organizations use colocation services and data center interconnect fabrics to connect multiple apps, data types, and data sources in a secure, predictable, and low-latency way that helps their digital business succeed. In many cases, data centers are becoming non-core, remote facilities that only run legacy apps and workloads that don’t use x86. Some colocation providers offer link services that make it possible for digital goals to be met from the edge to the core.
Best Colocation Providers Comparison Table
Planning to govern your servers more? You can use colocation hosting. This is ideal for users who want full server control without managing the hardware environment. You can utilize colocation hosting then. You may be wondering what colocation hosting is and whether to use it. Certainly, here’s the table with rows exchanged with columns:
PhoenixNAP | Colocation America | Sharktech | Equinix | Cyxtera | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Data Centers | 10+ in 5 countries | 10+ in 4 countries | 240+ in 65 countries | 270+ in 60 countries | [Cyxtera’s Data Center Info] |
Services | Colocation, cloud hosting, managed services | Colocation, cloud hosting, managed services | Colocation, cloud hosting, managed services | Colocation, cloud hosting, managed services | [Cyxtera’s Services] |
Customer Reviews | 4.5 stars on Google | 4.4 stars on Google | 4.5 stars on Google | 4.3 stars on Google | [Cyxtera’s Customer Reviews] |
Overall | PhoenixNAP is a good choice for businesses of all sizes looking for reliable and affordable colocation services. | Colocation America is a good choice for businesses looking for a wide range of colocation services at competitive prices. | Sharktech is a good choice for businesses looking for colocation services with a focus on performance and security. | Equinix is a good choice for businesses looking for a global data center provider with a wide range of services. | [Cyxtera’s Overall Recommendation] |
Website Link | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Best Colocation Providers
Find the best 2023 colocation service here. This blog post will explain why organizations need colocation and identify the year’s top suppliers. Colocation systems’ cost-efficiency and wide range of features and services have made them vital over time. Staying connected and understanding colocation choices is crucial as more firms go to remote work.
PhoenixNAP

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Robust Security | Multi-layered security protocols |
Global Network | High-speed, reliable global network |
Scalability | Easy scalability options for growing businesses |
24/7 Support | Round-the-clock customer support |
Data Redundancy | Redundant systems for data integrity |
PhoenixNAP, a global top-tier data center provider, provides a comprehensive assortment of information technology solutions, including colocation, cloud, and network services. I have firsthand experience with their cutting-edge facilities, and along with their unwavering dedication to safety and dependability, it is easy to see why they are the company of choice for companies all over the world.
The Good
- Top-notch security measures
- Global network presence
- Seamless scalability
- 24/7 customer support
- Data redundancy for peace of mind
The Bad
- Pricing may not be budget-friendly for startups
- Limited data center locations compared to some competitors
Colocation America

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Tier III Data Centers | Reliable Tier III data centers |
High-Speed Connectivity | Diverse network connectivity options |
Remote Hands Service | On-site technical assistance |
Disaster Recovery | Disaster recovery solutions |
Scalability | Flexible scalability options |
Colocation America is an outstanding provider of data center and hosting services, in my opinion, based on my own personal experience with the company. Businesses who are in need of safe and scalable colocation solutions have found their robust infrastructure and numerous network connectivity options to be of great value.
The Good
- Tier III data centers for high reliability
- Diverse network connectivity
- On-site technical assistance
- Comprehensive disaster recovery solutions
- Scalability tailored to your needs
The Bad
- Prices can be on the higher side
- Limited presence in some regions
Sharktech

Feature | Description |
---|---|
DDoS Mitigation | Robust DDoS protection services |
Global Network | Worldwide network presence |
Real-time Reporting | Detailed real-time attack reporting |
24/7 Support | Round-the-clock customer support |
Low Latency | Low-latency network for optimal performance |
For my own personal projects, I have relied on Sharktech’s DDoS protection and high-performance hosting services. They have a specialty in assuring companies that they will continue to be resilient in the face of cyber attacks by providing sophisticated mitigation solutions and a robust worldwide network.
The Good
- Effective DDoS protection
- Extensive global network
- Real-time attack reporting
- 24/7 customer support
- Low latency for responsive services
The Bad
- Pricing may not suit all budgets
- Limited focus primarily on DDoS protection
Equinix

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Interconnection | Vast interconnection opportunities |
Global Footprint | Extensive global data center presence |
Hybrid Cloud Access | Seamless hybrid cloud connectivity |
Ecosystem Partners | Access to a diverse ecosystem of partners |
High Reliability | Highly reliable data center services |
I have personal experience with Equinix’s world-leading position in the interconnection services industry. They operate in major data hubs all over the world, which enables them to facilitate connections between companies and cloud service providers in a seamless manner. This not only improves the overall quality of online experiences but also contributes to the enhancement of digital ecosystems.
The Good
- Abundance of interconnection opportunities
- A vast global data center network
- Easy access to hybrid cloud solutions
- Diverse ecosystem of partners
- Exceptional reliability and uptime
The Bad
- Premium services come with premium pricing
- Smaller businesses may find it cost-prohibitive
Cyxtera

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cybersecurity | Advanced cybersecurity measures |
Global Data Centers | Wide-reaching global data center network |
Compliance Support | Assistance with regulatory compliance |
Hybrid IT Solutions | Tailored hybrid IT solutions |
Redundant Infrastructure | High availability infrastructure |
As someone who has worked directly with Cyxtera, I am able to personally attest for the reliability of their secure infrastructure solutions, which include both colocation and cybersecurity services. Their data centers are outfitted with cutting-edge security features, making them an ideal location for storing sensitive information and software applications.
The Good
- Advanced cybersecurity features
- Extensive global data center network
- Regulatory compliance support
- Customizable hybrid IT solutions
- Reliable redundant infrastructure
The Bad
- Higher costs for top-tier security and services
- May not be suitable for small businesses with limited budgets
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Colocation Provider
- Location: It is important that the location of the data center is handy for your firm as well as compliant with any applicable regulatory requirements. Close proximity to your company might cut down on latency and make it simpler to access the location for maintenance.
- Construction of the Facility and Infrastructure: Examine the level of service provided by the data center as well as its storage capacity. When shopping for a new computer, it is important to look for features such as multiple power supply, backup generators, cooling systems, fire suppression systems, and physical security measures.
- Reliability and Availability: Conduct research about the service provider’s past performance in terms of both uptime and dependability. Try to find colocation facilities that have a record of having extremely little downtime and solid plans for dealing with disasters.
- Ability to scale up: Think about the needs you will have for future growth. Check to see if the provider has scalable alternatives that will enable you to increase the amount of space, power, and bandwidth at your disposal as your company’s needs change.
- Alternatives for Connectivity: Check to see whether or not carrier-neutral connectivity is available. It is possible to improve both the redundancy and performance of a network by having numerous network service providers (NSPs) and internet exchange points (IXPs) located on-site.
- Taking Precautions for Safety: Examine the many safety precautions that have been taken, such as the installation of access control systems, biometric authentication, surveillance cameras, and the employment of security people. It is essential to have a secure location in order to protect your data.
How to Choose a Best Colocation Providers?
- The Standard of the Facility and the Infrastructure: If it is at all possible, go on a tour of the data center facilities. If not, a virtual tour will have to do. Conduct an assessment of the building’s overall quality, taking into consideration its electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, physical security measures, and disaster recovery capabilities.
- Dependability and Availability: Investigate the provider’s past performance in terms of reliability and uptime. In order to reduce the likelihood of experiencing downtime, it is important to search for data centers that feature numerous power and network connection backups.
- Ability to scale up: Make sure the colocation supplier you choose has scalability choices that are compatible with your future expansion strategies. As your company expands, your infrastructure should be easily expandable to accommodate the additional workload.
- Connectivity of the Network: Conduct an analysis of the capabilities offered by the provider’s network. Look for access to multiple Internet service providers (ISPs), low-latency connections to key Internet exchange points (IXPs), and a solid network infrastructure if you want to be successful online.
- Taking Precautions for Safety: Examine the preventative safety measures that are currently in place, such as access controls, surveillance cameras, biometric authentication, and staff that are stationed on the premises. When it comes to protecting your data and equipment, security is absolutely essential.
- Conformity with Requirements and Accreditations: Check to see that the data center conforms with the applicable industry standards and certifications, such as SSAE 18 (previously SOC 2), ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR, depending on the industry that you operate in and the compliance requirements that you must meet.
Questions and Answers
Rackspace Managed Colocation provides top-tier colocation services, including access to our world-class data centers, supported by award-winning support and industry-leading Service Level Agreements. In addition, Rackspace Managed Colocation minimizes potential drawbacks, such as travel costs and capital expenses.
Colocation is a service that enables businesses to rent space, power, and connections from a data center for the purpose of housing their own privately owned servers and networking equipment. Organizations can keep expenses under control and steer clear of the substantial financial commitment required to construct and maintain a data center by opting to simply contract for the colocation services that are absolutely essential.