Top 10 Data Center Providers Worldwide

By Amanda Reyes | Published: null | Category: Data Center

About Data Center

Data center services provide secure, resilient physical infrastructure for housing IT equipment, including servers, storage, and networking gear. Offerings typically encompass colocation space, power, cooling, physical security, and network connectivity options.

How We Evaluated

Providers were evaluated based on their global presence, interconnection capabilities, reported reliability, breadth of service offerings, scalability options, and customer support reputation, using publicly available information and industry analysis.

Rating Criteria

  • Global Footprint
  • Network Ecosystem & Interconnection
  • Reliability & Uptime
  • Service Portfolio
  • Scalability & Flexibility
  • Support & Management

The Best Data Center

Cyxtera #10

Location: Coral Gables, Florida, USA (Global Operations - Now part of Brookfield) Get Directions

Founded: 2017

Cyxtera

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Offers retail colocation and interconnection services across a global footprint, known for its software-defined platform and focus on enterprise needs. Recently acquired by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners.

Target Audience

Enterprises, Service Providers, Government Agencies

Service Offerings

Colocation

Secure and connected retail colocation.

  • Cabinets, Cages
  • On-demand provisioning via portal
Interconnection

Connectivity solutions for hybrid IT.

  • Cross Connects
  • Cloud Connect
  • Cyxtera Extensible Data Center (CXD) Platform
Enterprise Bare Metal

Dedicated servers provisioned on-demand.

  • NVIDIA, Intel, AMD options

Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 8.2
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.4
Reliability & Uptime 8.5
Scalability & Flexibility 8.3
Service Portfolio 8.6
Support & Management 8.0

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Contact sales. Some services may have on-demand pricing components.

Pros

  • + Good global footprint in key markets.
  • + Innovative CXD platform for software-defined connectivity and bare metal.
  • + Focus on enterprise retail colocation.
  • + Ownership by Brookfield provides financial stability.

Cons

  • - Went through Chapter 11 restructuring prior to Brookfield acquisition.
  • - Integration and future strategy under new ownership still evolving.
  • - Less focus on hyperscale wholesale.

Verdict

"A significant global retail colocation provider with innovative interconnection and bare metal services, now stabilized under new ownership."

User Reviews

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Flexential #9

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA (US Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 2017

Flexential

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Formed by the merger of Peak 10 and ViaWest, Flexential offers colocation, cloud, connectivity, and managed solutions across a national platform of data centers in the US.

Target Audience

Enterprises, Mid-Market Businesses, Service Providers

Service Offerings

Colocation

Reliable data center space with high connectivity.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Suites
  • High Density Options
Cloud Services

Private, public, and hybrid cloud solutions.

  • Hosted Private Cloud
  • Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
  • Managed Public Cloud
Connectivity

Network services including cloud connect and IP bandwidth.

  • Flexential Interconnection
  • Cloud Fabric
  • Network Transport

Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 6.5
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.0
Reliability & Uptime 8.8
Scalability & Flexibility 8.5
Service Portfolio 8.7
Support & Management 8.6

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Contact sales for pricing based on services selected.

Pros

  • + Strong portfolio combining colocation with cloud and managed services.
  • + Solid US footprint covering Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets.
  • + Good reputation for customer support.
  • + Focus on hybrid IT solutions.

Cons

  • - Limited to the US market.
  • - Smaller scale compared to global providers.
  • - Less emphasis on hyperscale deals.

Verdict

"A reliable US-based provider strong in hybrid IT solutions, suitable for mid-market and enterprise customers needing a mix of colocation, cloud, and managed services."

User Reviews

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Iron Mountain Data Centers #8

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Global Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 1951

Iron Mountain Data Centers

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Leveraging its expertise in security and compliance, Iron Mountain offers enterprise-class colocation, interconnection, and data center services with a focus on risk management.

Target Audience

Enterprises, Government Agencies, Financial Services, Healthcare

Service Offerings

Colocation

Secure and compliant data center facilities.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Suites
  • Wholesale
  • Build-to-Suit
  • Underground facilities
Interconnection

Connectivity to networks, clouds, and partners.

  • Cross Connects
  • Cloud Connect
  • Peering Exchanges
Compliance

Meeting strict industry and government regulations.

  • FISMA High, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2/3, ISO 27001

Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 8.0
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.2
Reliability & Uptime 9.0
Scalability & Flexibility 8.6
Service Portfolio 8.5
Support & Management 8.9

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Pricing tailored to security, compliance, and infrastructure needs. Contact sales.

Pros

  • + Strong reputation for security and compliance.
  • + Unique offerings like underground data centers.
  • + Commitment to 100% renewable energy.
  • + Growing global presence through acquisitions and builds.

Cons

  • - Smaller overall footprint compared to top-tier global providers.
  • - Network ecosystem still developing relative to leaders like Equinix.

Verdict

"Excellent option for organizations prioritizing high security, compliance, and risk mitigation, especially in regulated industries."

User Reviews

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NTT Global Data Centers #7

Location: Tokyo, Japan (Global Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 2018

NTT Global Data Centers

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Part of the NTT Group, this division operates a large global portfolio of data centers, offering colocation, connectivity, and managed services.

Target Audience

Enterprises, Hyperscalers, Service Providers

Service Offerings

Colocation

Secure and scalable data center space globally.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Suites
  • Wholesale options
Network Services

Integration with NTT's global network infrastructure.

  • Global IP Network
  • Cross Connects
  • Cloud Connect
Managed Services

Operational support for IT infrastructure.

  • Remote Hands
  • Managed Security
  • Hybrid Cloud Management

Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 9.2
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.8
Reliability & Uptime 9.0
Scalability & Flexibility 8.7
Service Portfolio 8.9
Support & Management 8.6

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Contact NTT GDC sales for pricing based on specific requirements.

Pros

  • + Extensive global footprint, leveraging NTT's worldwide presence.
  • + Strong integration with NTT's Tier-1 network.
  • + Broad portfolio including managed services.
  • + Significant investment in expansion and new technologies.

Cons

  • - Brand recognition as a data center provider still growing compared to pure-play competitors.
  • - Integration of various acquired entities (e.g., e-shelter, RagingWire) ongoing.

Verdict

"A powerful global player with deep network integration, suitable for multinationals needing data center capacity alongside robust connectivity and managed services."

User Reviews

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Switch #6

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Get Directions

Founded: 2000

Switch

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Designs, constructs, and operates large-scale, high-density data centers (known as Primes) with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, security, and patented designs.

Target Audience

Enterprises, Cloud Providers, Government, Technology Companies

Service Offerings

Colocation

High-density colocation in highly secure and resilient facilities.

  • Cabinets, Cages
  • Focus on large footprints
  • Patented cooling and facility designs
Connectivity

Access to numerous carriers and cloud providers.

  • Switch CONNECT (Telecom co-op)
  • Cloud Connect Services
Sustainability

Commitment to 100% renewable energy.

  • Use of solar and other renewable sources

Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 7.0
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.5
Reliability & Uptime 9.6
Scalability & Flexibility 8.8
Service Portfolio 8.0
Support & Management 8.5

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Pricing dependent on space, power density, and contract terms. Contact sales.

Pros

  • + Industry-leading reliability and uptime claims.
  • + High focus on physical security and innovative data center design.
  • + Strong commitment to renewable energy.
  • + Massive, scalable campus environments.

Cons

  • - Geographically concentrated in specific US regions (Nevada, Michigan, Georgia, Texas).
  • - Business model can be less flexible for smaller requirements.
  • - Less diverse service portfolio compared to some competitors.

Verdict

"A premium choice for organizations prioritizing extreme reliability, security, high-density power, and sustainability within Switch's campus locations."

User Reviews

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QTS Realty Trust #5

Location: Overland Park, Kansas, USA (US & Netherlands Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 2005

QTS Realty Trust

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Provides secure, compliant data center solutions, hybrid colocation, and hyperscale data centers, known for its focus on sustainability and operational transparency.

Target Audience

Hyperscalers, Enterprises, Government Agencies

Service Offerings

Hyperscale & Wholesale Colocation

Large-scale deployments with significant power and space.

  • Powered Shell
  • Build-to-Suit
Hybrid Colocation

Combines traditional colocation with cloud connectivity.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Suites
Cloud & Connectivity Services

Direct access to clouds and networks.

  • QTS CloudRamp (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute)
  • Switchboard Interconnection Platform
Security & Compliance

Meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

  • FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI DSS compliance

Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 7.8
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.5
Reliability & Uptime 9.4
Scalability & Flexibility 9.0
Service Portfolio 9.0
Support & Management 9.0

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Pricing varies based on scale, services, and compliance needs. Contact sales.

Pros

  • + Strong focus on security, compliance, and sustainability.
  • + Innovative Service Delivery Platform (SDP) for visibility and control.
  • + Growing hyperscale capabilities.
  • + Acquisition by Blackstone provides significant capital for expansion.

Cons

  • - Geographic footprint less extensive than Equinix or Digital Realty.
  • - Primarily US-focused with some European presence.

Verdict

"Ideal for organizations with high security, compliance, and sustainability needs, particularly hyperscalers and government entities."

User Reviews

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CoreSite #4

Location: Denver, Colorado, USA (US Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 2001

CoreSite

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An American Tower Company, CoreSite provides hybrid IT solutions, including data centers, cloud access, and interconnection, primarily focused on major US metropolitan areas.

Target Audience

Enterprises, Network Providers, Cloud Providers, Digital Content Companies

Service Offerings

Colocation

Secure, reliable data center space.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Private Suites
Interconnection

Access to a rich ecosystem of networks and clouds.

  • CoreSite Open Cloud Exchange
  • Cross Connects
  • Peering Exchanges
Cloud Services

Direct connectivity to major cloud providers.

  • AWS Direct Connect
  • Azure ExpressRoute
  • Google Cloud Interconnect
  • Oracle FastConnect

Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 7.5
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 9.0
Reliability & Uptime 9.2
Scalability & Flexibility 8.5
Service Portfolio 8.6
Support & Management 8.8

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Contact sales for tailored pricing based on requirements.

Pros

  • + Dense interconnection ecosystems in key US markets.
  • + Strong cloud connectivity options.
  • + High customer satisfaction ratings reported.
  • + Backed by American Tower, enhancing financial stability and potential edge expansion.

Cons

  • - Primarily focused on the US market; limited international presence.
  • - Smaller overall scale compared to global giants.

Verdict

"A strong contender for US-centric businesses needing robust interconnection and cloud access in major metro areas."

User Reviews

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CyrusOne #3

Location: Dallas, Texas, USA (International Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 2001

CyrusOne

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Specializes in enterprise-class, carrier-neutral data center properties providing mission-critical data center facilities that protect and ensure the continued operation of IT infrastructure.

Target Audience

Enterprises (Fortune 1000), Cloud Providers, Hyperscalers

Service Offerings

Colocation

Highly reliable and scalable data center solutions.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Suites
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) capable facilities
  • Build-to-Suit
Interconnection

Robust connectivity options.

  • Cross Connects
  • Cloud Connect (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.)
  • Peering via National IX
Disaster Recovery

Solutions for business continuity.

  • Geographically diverse locations

Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 8.5
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 8.8
Reliability & Uptime 9.3
Scalability & Flexibility 9.2
Service Portfolio 8.5
Support & Management 8.7

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Pricing based on deployment size, power, and connectivity needs. Contact sales.

Pros

  • + Strong reputation for reliability and operational excellence.
  • + Focus on large enterprise and hyperscale deals.
  • + Transparent operational methodologies.
  • + Expanding presence in the US and Europe.

Cons

  • - Smaller global footprint compared to Equinix or Digital Realty.
  • - Less emphasis on retail colocation compared to larger players.

Verdict

"Excellent choice for large enterprises and cloud providers needing high reliability and scalability in key US and European markets."

User Reviews

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Digital Realty #2

Location: Austin, Texas, USA (Global Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 2004

Digital Realty

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A leading global provider of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, with a strong focus on hyperscale and enterprise customers via PlatformDIGITAL.

Target Audience

Hyperscalers, Enterprises, Service Providers, Financial Services

Service Offerings

Colocation

From single cabinets to multi-megawatt deployments.

  • Cabinets, Cages, Private Suites
  • Scale (Hyperscale) Solutions
  • Build-to-Suit
Interconnection

Connectivity solutions within and between data centers.

  • Cross Connects
  • Campus Connect
  • ServiceFabric (Interconnection platform)
  • Internet Exchange
Connectivity

Access to carriers, cloud providers, and internet exchanges.

  • Carrier-neutral facilities

Scorecard (Overall: 9.2 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 9.5
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 9.2
Reliability & Uptime 9.4
Scalability & Flexibility 9.5
Service Portfolio 8.8
Support & Management 8.5

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Solutions tailored to specific customer needs, particularly for large-scale deployments. Contact sales.

Pros

  • + Extensive global footprint with significant capacity.
  • + Strong capabilities in hyperscale and large enterprise deployments.
  • + PlatformDIGITAL offers integrated solutions.
  • + Acquisition of Interxion boosted European presence and interconnection.

Cons

  • - Interconnection ecosystem historically less dense than Equinix in some markets.
  • - Integration of acquisitions can present challenges.

Verdict

"A top-tier provider, especially strong for hyperscale requirements and large enterprises needing significant global capacity."

User Reviews

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#1

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Equinix #1

Location: Redwood City, California, USA (Global Operations) Get Directions

Founded: 1998

Equinix

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The world's largest data center and colocation provider by market share, known for its vast global footprint and rich interconnection ecosystem (Platform Equinix).

Target Audience

Enterprises, Cloud Providers, Network Service Providers, Financial Services, Content Providers

Service Offerings

Colocation

Secure space, power, and cooling for IT infrastructure.

  • Retail cages, cabinets, suites
  • High power density options
Interconnection

Direct, private connections to partners, customers, and cloud providers.

  • Equinix Fabric (Software-defined interconnection)
  • Cross Connects
  • Internet Exchange
Digital Services

Services supporting digital transformation.

  • Network Edge (Virtual Network Functions)
  • Equinix Metal (Bare Metal as a Service)
  • Managed Services

Scorecard (Overall: 9.4 / 10.0)

Global Footprint 9.8
Network Ecosystem & Interconnection 9.9
Reliability & Uptime 9.5
Scalability & Flexibility 9.0
Service Portfolio 9.2
Support & Management 8.8

Pricing Model

Custom Quote

Pricing is tailored based on space, power, interconnection, and service requirements. Contact sales for details.

Pros

  • + Unmatched global reach across major markets.
  • + Largest interconnection ecosystem, vital for hybrid/multi-cloud.
  • + High reliability and operational standards.
  • + Wide range of digital services.

Cons

  • - Can be more expensive than competitors.
  • - Focus primarily on retail colocation and interconnection, less on hyperscale wholesale.

Verdict

"The leading choice for businesses requiring extensive global reach and dense network/cloud connectivity."

User Reviews

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Amanda Reyes

Written By

Amanda Reyes

Editor-in-Chief

Final Recommendation

The data center market features diverse providers, from global giants focused on interconnection and hyperscale, to regional players offering integrated hybrid IT solutions. Key differentiators include geographic reach, network ecosystem density, scalability options (retail vs. wholesale), service portfolio breadth, and specific expertise in areas like security, compliance, or sustainability.

🏆 Best Overall Equinix
✨ Switch Best for organizations prioritizing extreme reliability, physical security, and high-density power within its campus locations.