10 CoreSite Competitors & Alternatives

CoreSite operates 28 data centers across key U.S. markets, providing colocation, interconnection, and cloud services to IT-intensive businesses. Its strengths include high-performance environments and direct connections to major cloud providers.

Since CoreSite's infrastructure is exclusively U.S.-based, organizations that require a global presence may find their offer unsatisfactory. Additionally, the company's focus on high-tier services results in premium-level pricing and makes CoreSite a less desirable option for businesses with tighter budgets.

This article presents the ten best CoreSite alternatives in the data center and colocation market.

10 CoreSite Alternatives

The data center market is very competitive, offering numerous alternatives to the CoreSite offer. If you are seeking data center colocation services, we have compiled a review of top providers to help you decide.

The following key attributes, common to all listed colocation providers, were used for selection:

• Carrier-neutrality. Facilities allow connectivity with multiple network providers.
• Scalability. Options range from individual cabinets to dedicated private suites.
• Connectivity. Reliable and high-speed network connections.
• Security. Adherence to strict security and operational protocols.
• Interconnectivity. Optimized connections to major cloud platforms and internet exchanges.
• Compliance. Certification with industry standards including SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001.
• Network Optimization. Strategic placement in significant network hubs to minimize latency.
• On-site Support. Remote Hands services for hardware assistance.
• Sustainability. Commitment to environmental responsibility through energy-efficient cooling and renewable energy initiatives.

Read the sections below for detailed information on individual provider offerings.

phoenixNAP

phoenixNAP, LLC is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, offering dedicated servers, IaaS, and colocation services. phoenixNAP's service model suits companies with heavy IT workloads, as it combines scalability, compliance, and transparent pricing.

The following advantages distinguish phoenixNAP from other CoreSite competitors:

• A network of 18 data centers spanning five continents, delivering over 9 Tbps of connectivity for optimal global reach.
• Infrastructure designed to support up to 500 watts/sq.ft., catering to HPC AI and dense server deployments.
• High-density engineering focused on maximizing space utilization and power efficiency.
• On-demand Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) hardware provisioning, enabling scalable IT infrastructure from single servers to complete rack deployments.
• The flagship data center in Phoenix, AZ, has over 100,000 square feet of floor space and plans for a 530,000-square-foot expansion. It is designed to meet various colocation needs, from single cabinets to large private suites.
• Access to a diverse ecosystem of 45+ network carriers, coupled with access to cloud on-ramps, including AWS Direct Connect and Google Cloud Interconnect.
• Adherence to key industry standards, including GDPR, SOX, and GLBA, ensuring data protection and regulatory compliance.

Equinix

Equinix, Inc. is a global digital infrastructure company from Redwood City, CA. It operates a globally distributed network of data centers, focusing on interconnection ecosystems. Global interconnection and cloud partnerships make the company a strong option for hybrid and multi-cloud setups.

Equinix offers distinct advantages, including:

• A network of over 260 data centers in more than 30 countries.
• Equinix Fabric, which facilitates secure, software-defined connections to a vast ecosystem of partners, cloud providers, and network services.
• Equinix Metal and Network Edge, features that deliver infrastructure optimized for edge computing, enable low-latency applications, and enhance user experiences.
• Advanced cooling technologies and a focus on carbon neutrality.

Digital Realty

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in data centers. Headquartered in Austin, TX, Digital Realty provides colocation, interconnection, and cloud services for global customers.

Digital Realty distinguishes itself with the following features:

• A network of more than 300 facilities across 50 metropolitan areas and 25 countries, including South America, offering unparalleled global coverage.
• Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDX) that enables high-performance AI and machine learning workflows by addressing data gravity challenges.
• 99.999% uptime, demonstrating a commitment to high availability.
• PlatformDIGITAL, a comprehensive global platform for deploying and managing digital infrastructure.

NTT Global Data Centers

NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation) is a telecommunications and information technology company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Its Global Data Centers operation offers scalable solutions and robust interconnection services.

NTT Global Data Centers provides a compelling CoreSite alternative through:

• A network of data centers exceeding 600,000 square meters across 20 countries, with a strategic presence in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South Africa.
• Custom cage solutions for the secure deployment of mission-critical IT infrastructure.
• Implementation of advanced, energy-efficient cooling technologies, such as Liquid Immersion Cooling and Direct Contact Liquid Cooling, to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Leveraging extensive global network infrastructure to provide strong connectivity and low latency for mission-critical applications. They also have significant investments in undersea cables that help with global connectivity.

CyrusOne

CyrusOne, Inc. is a data center owner, developer, and operator in Dallas, TX. As a colocation provider, CyrusOne offers secure, scalable solutions with advanced design architectures and robust connectivity options.

Key differentiating features of CyrusOne include:

• Over 350 strategically located high-performance data centers worldwide, offering a total capacity exceeding 16.2 million square feet, ensuring global scalability and redundancy.
• A comprehensive suite of connectivity solutions (including cross connects, virtual cross connects, direct internet access, metro waves, peering, and internet exchanges) facilitating seamless network connectivity.
• Intelliscale, an AI-oriented infrastructure solution designed to address the high computational demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
• Flexible power infrastructure designed to meet the specific power density requirements.
• A commitment to environmentally responsible operations, utilizing advanced technologies like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and pursuing a goal of climate neutrality by 2030.

Iron Mountain Data Centers

Iron Mountain, Inc. is a storage and information management services company from Boston, MA. Leveraging its reputation in secure storage and records management, Iron Mountain provides compliant and reliable data center and colocation services.

Iron Mountain offers these distinct advantages:

• A network of over 25 data centers in key regions, offering substantial capacity and global reach.
• Various connectivity options, including cross connects, virtual cross connects, direct internet access, metro waves, peering, and internet exchanges.
• Certified experts providing monitoring, migration, and engineering support, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Data centers powered by 100% renewable energy contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.
• The Green Power Pass program allows customers to track and report the use of renewable energy.

TierPoint

Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, TierPoint offers a blend of colocation, cloud, and managed services. The company caters to businesses requiring a strong U.S. presence, providing customized and scalable infrastructure.

Below are the key strengths of TierPoint:

• With 40 strategically located data centers across the United States, TierPoint provides broad coverage for U.S.-focused businesses.
• Supporting up to 85kW density, TierPoint accommodates high-performance computing.
• Remote visibility, management, governance, and security tools empower businesses to monitor and control their infrastructure proactively.
• SLA-guaranteed 100% uptime ensures business continuity and minimizes disruptions.

Centersquare

Located in Coppell, TX, Centersquare is a colocation and interconnection provider created by merging Evoque Data Center Solutions and Cyxtera. The company provides various data center solutions with a focus on colocation.

Centersquare's key strengths include:

• A network of 72 data centers totaling 1.9 million square feet across 26 strategically selected global markets.
• Access to an extensive ecosystem of over 200 network and technology service providers.
• The Digital Exchange software-defined network platform enabling on-demand provisioning capabilities and rapid deployment and scaling of network resources.

QTS Data Centers

QTS Realty Trust is a company based in Overland Park, KS. It is known for large-scale data center deployments and services customized for specific clients. In the colo market, QTS delivers hyperscale and hybrid solutions and offers customizable infrastructure.

Distinct advantages of the QTS platform include:

• Over 7 million square feet of data center space in more than 35 data centers across North America and Europe.
• QTS SmartCam system provides enhanced security with advanced real-time vision technology, including facial recognition.
• QTS SmartCart system enables secure remote infrastructure configuration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• QTS SmartSensors monitor critical environmental factors like temperature and humidity in real-time.

Flexential

Flexential is a company in Charlotte, NC, that specializes in providing regional colocation services to the U.S. market. The company offers a hybrid IT approach, combining colocation with cloud and network services to provide comprehensive infrastructure solutions.

Key Flexential features include:

• Extensive national network of over 40 strategically located data centers across the United States, covering more than 35 million square feet.
• High-density power capabilities, with some centers supporting more than 80 kW per cabinet and data center capacities ranging from 3 MW to 36 MW.
• The FlexAnywhere platform, a dynamic and adaptable infrastructure solution driven by automation, flexible pricing, and seamless scalability.
• Precision liquid cooling solutions with Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0. This innovative cooling technology minimizes water consumption and maximizes cooling efficiency.
• Commitment to energy efficiency, employing advanced equipment and design principles to achieve Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.3.

CoreSite Alternatives: How to Choose

Before settling on a substitute for CoreSite, thoroughly audit your company's operational needs, tech infrastructure, and strategy. Depending on your use case, consider the following alternatives:

• If you target specific geographic locations, choose competitors with strong regional presence, such as Equinix or Digital Realty.
• For high-density requirements, look at providers with robust infrastructure in major hubs, like phoenixNAP or QTS.
• For enhanced redundancy, choose providers with multiple network paths and robust peering agreements, like NTT Global Data Centers.
• If you prioritize strict security measures and certifications, such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, consider phoenixNAP or Iron Mountain Data Centers.
• If your industry has specific compliance needs, choose providers specializing in those areas, such as TierPoint for healthcare.
• For future growth, seek providers offering flexible power and space options, such as phoenixNAP and Flexential.

When making a final decision on a colocation provider, also ensure that you:

• Compare service level agreements for uptime, response times, and other critical metrics.
• Evaluate the level of customer support and technical expertise offered by each provider.
• Assess the provider's physical security measures, including access controls, surveillance, and disaster recovery plans.
• Review the provider's network connectivity options and redundancy, ensuring they align with your bandwidth and latency requirements.

Find the CoreSite Alternative for Your Use Case

The comparative analysis of data center and colocation service providers revealed differences in geographic deployment, infrastructure, and focus on specific colocation-specific features. To decide which provider suits your needs best, evaluate these factors against your organization's technical and financial parameters.