10 Flexential Competitors and Alternatives

Flexential is a colocation provider with an extensive network of over 40 U.S.-based data centers covering more than 35 million square feet. With high-density power capabilities and data center capacities ranging from 3MW to 36 MW, Flexential is a common choice for SMEs looking for scalable infrastructure and a strong U.S. presence.

Despite the positives, the geographical distribution of Flexential's data centers may be limiting for organizations that need connections with regions outside North America. Additionally, the company does not offer colocation services in all its facilities, requiring potential customers to verify availability beforehand.

This article overviews the ten best Flexential alternatives in the colocation market.

Flexential Competitors

The colocation providers listed below have been selected to satisfy a variety of use cases, from hyperscale customers to small businesses. All the providers have the following characteristics:

• Carrier-neutral facilities.
• Low latency.
• Strict data center security and operational protocols.
• Compliance with industry standards such as SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.
• On-site support.

Read the following sections for more details about each provider.

phoenixNAP

phoenixNAP provides colocation services in a global network of 18 data centers and 11 Points of Presence (PoPs) strategically distributed across five continents. With an infrastructure that supports up to 500 watts/sq.ft., phoenixNAP excels in dense server deployments.

phoenixNAP Advantages

Aside from colocation, phoenixNAP offers dedicated servers, IaaS, and other solutions that can be used to create adaptable hybrid IT setups. Other phoenixNAP advantages include:

• High-density engineering to maximize space utilization and power efficiency.
• HPC AI-ready infrastructure.
• More than 45 supported network carriers and cloud on-ramps (including AWS Direct Connect and Google Cloud Interconnect).
• 9 Tbps of connectivity that provides optimal global reach.
• GDPR, SOX, and GLBA compliance.

phoenixNAP Offers, Pricing, and Packages

phoenixNAP's solutions have been designed for flexibility, allowing customers to adjust the offer to fit their use case. The best way to receive a relevant quote is to contact phoenixNAP's sales team.

Equinix

Equinix has a globally distributed network of more than 260 data centers in over 30 countries. The company focuses on interconnection, with data centers acting as hubs for businesses, networks, and cloud providers.

Equinix Advantages

Equinix's primary customers are organizations seeking to use its ecosystem to establish connections with customers, suppliers, and partners on a global scale. Below is a list of additional benefits:

• Equinix Fabric simplifies the creation of software-defined connections to network services and cloud providers.
• Equinix Metal and Network Edge support low-latency apps and provide edge-optimized infrastructure.
• Cloud partnerships make Equinix a good solution for hybrid and multi-cloud setups.
• Advanced cooling technologies support the company's carbon neutrality initiative.

Equinix Offers, Pricing, and Packages

Equinix's pricing is based on several factors, including:

• Colocation space (cabinets, suites).  
• Power consumption.
• Bandwidth usage.  
• Interconnection ports and virtual connections.  
• Data center location.

Depending on the port speed (1G, 10G, or 100G), Standard Equinix Fabric ports range from $150 to $1,500 per month. The standard offer with unlimited local connection ports costs $800 to $12,000. The Port Remote package costs $1,600-$24,000.

Due to the number of services offered and the customization options, the pricing for the rest of Equinix's offer is usually provided by direct quotes from the sales team.

TierPoint

TierPoint's 40 strategically located U.S. data centers provide extensive coverage for businesses with a domestic focus. Their colocation service can handle high-performance computing (HPC) demands and feature power densities of up to 85kW.

TierPoint Advantages

While they serve businesses of all sizes, TierPoint focuses on mid-market enterprises. This focus allows them to provide personalized solutions to this segment, e.g., flexible contract terms, customized infrastructure designs, and dedicated account management.

Below are other advantages of TierPoint as a colocation provider:

• Remote management, visibility, security, and governance tools.
• Colocation facilities with independently audited compliance and strict security measures, including biometric controls, surveillance, and 24/7 on-site personnel.

TierPoint Offers, Pricing, and Packages

The starter price of TierPoint colocation is in the $500-$1000 range. However, due to the customizable nature of their offerings, TierPoint strongly encourages organizations to contact their sales team for a personalized quote. For general estimations, the TierPoint website features a pricing calculator.

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain offers colocation services in over 25 data centers. Aside from the major U.S. urban centers, they operate in London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, and Mumbai.

Iron Mountain Advantages

Iron Mountain's long-standing reputation for secure storage and data management is a significant asset. Businesses in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and government can benefit from Iron Mountain's highly secure data center environments.

Aside from the security focus, Iron Mountain has the following benefits:

• Diverse connectivity options, including internet exchanges, peering, metro waves, direct internet access, and physical and virtual cross connects.
• Commitment to renewable energy and energy-efficient operations, which benefits businesses with ESG goals.
• The Green Power Pass program assists in tracking and reporting renewable energy use.

Iron Mountain Offers, Pricing, and Packages

Colocation pricing starts at about $100 per rack per month, but this is a very general figure, and the pricing can vary greatly depending on the use case. It is recommended that you contact the Iron Mountain sales team for a free quote.

Digital Realty

As a data center-focused real estate investment trust (REIT), Digital Realty offers various services, including colocation, interconnection, and cloud solutions. The services are delivered through their extensive global network of over 300 facilities across 25 countries and 50 metros.

Digital Realty Advantages

The investment trust nature of Digital realty ensures continuous investment in infrastructure expansion and technological advancements. Other benefits of Digital Realty include:

• PlatformDIGITAL, a global data center platform that simplifies the hosting of critical infrastructure.
• High availability with 99.999% uptime.
• Hyperscale data center solutions catering to cloud providers and large enterprises.
• Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDX) supporting high-performance AI and machine learning workflows.

Digital Realty Offers, Pricing, and Packages

Digital Realty colocation services start from $1,000 per month. The pricing models are monthly and quote-based. For more information about prices and services, contact the Digital Realty sales team.

CoreSite

CoreSite is a data center and colocation company operating 28 data centers in the U.S. With over 4.7 million square feet of colocation space and high-density deployment support, CoreSite can easily accommodate customers with heavy workloads.

CoreSite Advantages

CoreSite is known for its robust interconnection capabilities. Their data centers serve as network and cloud connectivity hubs for businesses that require low-latency, high-bandwidth connections.

Below are other advantages of CoreSite:

• Direct cloud connectivity enables optimized hybrid application performance through low-latency interconnection. It also enhances security and significantly reduces data egress charges when connecting to business partners and other service providers.
• Open Cloud Exchange (OCX) improves digital workflows by providing direct, secure, and virtual connections to partners. Other features of OCX include rapid connection provisioning, real-time data transfer, and enhanced collaboration, all of which ultimately accelerates project completion and time-to-market.

CoreSite Offers, Pricing, and Packages

CoreSite offers three colocation tiers:

• Retail colocation. Small-scale deployments (e.g., a single rack)
• Cage colocation. Server space ranging from 100 to 5,000 square feet.
• Private suites for large enterprises.

Exact prices are available upon request.

CyrusOne

CyrusOne is one of the world's biggest colocation providers, offering advanced design architectures globally in over 350 data centers totaling 16.2 million square feet. The company specializes in hyperscale data centers, delivering rapid deployment and scalable, high-availability infrastructure for large-scale operations.

CyrusOne Advantages

The sheer size of CyrusOne's footprint ensures global scalability and redundancy. For seamless network connectivity, they offer direct internet access and metro waves alongside interconnection options like cross connects, virtual cross connects, peering, and internet exchanges.

Below are some other advantages of CyrusOne:

• IntelliScale is an AI-oriented infrastructure solution designed to meet the intense computational needs of AI/ML applications.
• Customizable power density enabled through flexible power infrastructure.
• Advanced environmental technologies like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

CyrusOne Offers, Pricing, and Packages

The packages and pricing for CyrusOne colocation can be obtained by contacting the sales team.

InterServer

InterServer primarily focuses on web hosting but also provides dedicated servers and colocation services. While their colocation offerings are more streamlined than dedicated colocation providers, they can be a cost-effective solution for small businesses with basic infrastructure needs.

InterServer Advantages

The most significant advantage InterServer has in the colocation space is its focus on cost-effective solutions and customer control. Other benefits of using InterServer include:

• Robust network infrastructure with connections to multiple Tier 1 IP backbone providers.
• Strong presence in the New York City metropolitan area.

InterServer Offers, Pricing, and Packages

InterServer's single server packages offer one rack unit of space for $95 per month. Two units cost $110, while four are rented for $150 monthly.

Data Foundry

Data Foundry operates over 600,000 square feet of data center space in Texas. Their client base spans many industries, including prominent tech firms, energy providers, financial institutions, retailers, and healthcare organizations.

Data Foundry Advantages

In addition to high-quality service to customers in Texas, Data Foundry offers several other notable benefits:

• Options from 1/2 cabinets to private data suites.
• CloudTap and cross-connect services support hybrid infrastructure models.
• Eight levels of security, including biometric scanners, CCTV cameras, a bullet-proof man trap, and more.

Data Foundry Offers, Pricing, and Packages

Data Foundry's services are priced by kilowatt. Detailed prices are available upon request.

Voxility

Voxility is an IaaS provider present in more than 20 data centers worldwide. While the company does not own any facilities, it offers colocation services in key internet exchange points across Europe and the United States.

Voxility Advantages

Voxility's colocation offering is distinct, primarily because it's deeply integrated with its core strengths: high-performance networking and robust DDoS protection.

Voxility Offers, Pricing, and Packages

Voxility offers 10U, 20U, and full rack cabinet packages. The 10 rack units range from $400 to $1200 monthly (for a one-year commitment), depending on the data center. Two or three-year commitments can significantly lower the prices.

The 20U packages are in the $500-$2,500 range, while full-rack cabinets cost from $500 to $4500 per month for a one-year commitment.

How to Choose the Flexential Alternative

When choosing the colocation provider for your company, carefully evaluate the contenders' SLAs, customer support, security procedures, and network connectivity options.

Furthermore, consider the following factors:

• Location. If you need to be in specific markets, focus on providers with a strong regional presence.
• Power and density. For high-performance computing, prioritize providers with high-density infrastructure.
• Redundancy and reliability. For critical applications, look for robust network redundancy and peering.
• Security and compliance. Ensure the provider meets your security and regulatory requirements.
• Scalability for growth. Choose providers that can accommodate your future expansion.
• Industry-specific needs. For example, financial services have stringent regulatory requirements.
• Hybrid cloud strategies. Many businesses are adopting hybrid cloud strategies. Consider how well the colocation provider integrates with your cloud infrastructure.
• Cost optimization. While performance and reliability are crucial, cost is also a factor. Carefully compare pricing models and total cost of ownership.
• Sustainability. Many companies now require their providers to have good sustainability practices. This includes things like renewable energy and efficient cooling.
• Future trends. Keep an eye on emerging trends, such as edge computing and AI, and how they might impact your colocation needs.

Make the Right Colocation Choice

Comparing Flexential's rivals reveals key differences in service offers, geographical focus, and pricing structure. Your final choice should reflect your business's specific space, security, and network access needs.