10 TierPoint Competitors and Alternatives to Look Into

TierPoint offers a broad portfolio of data center services, including various cloud, colocation, managed IT services, and disaster recovery (DR) offerings. While TierPoint is a strong player in the colo and data center outsourcing (DCO) space, this provider is not an ideal fit for every organization.

TierPoint primarily operates within the U.S., which is a deal-breaker for clients based in or targeting other markets. Additionally, the vendor's extensive infrastructure and premium managed services often result in higher costs compared to other providers.

This article presents 10 excellent TierPoint competitors you should consider partnering with if you are in the market for data center services. Read on to see which providers offer services comparable to TierPoint's portfolio but with different selling points, more flexible costs, or a broader geographic reach. 

TierPoint Competitors  

TierPoint competes with several notable vendors, each with their own strengths and specialties. Below, we dive into the market's best providers with offerings that may better align with your IT strategy or budget than TierPoint's services.

phoenixNAP

phoenixNAP is a global IT infrastructure provider specializing in dedicated servers, IaaS, and colocation services. With a strong presence across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific, pNAP offers a comprehensive suite of IT services for clients who need international reach.

Here's what makes phoenixNAP one of the market's most noteworthy TierPoint competitors:

• A total of 18 data centers and 11 network points of presence (PoPs) across five continents.
• Highly customizable dedicated servers with market-leading uptime guarantees and free DDoS protection.
• A variety of cloud computing offerings.
• Direct interconnects between different pNAP data centers.
• Comprehensive disaster recovery and data backup solutions.
• Dedicated support representatives with 24/7 availability.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
• Top-tier cyber security with advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDSes), and encryption protocols.
• Compliance with PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.

Here's an overview of pNAP's most popular services:

• Dedicated servers that offer highly customizable single-tenant physical machines.
• Bare Metal Cloud (BMC) that offers access to various pre-configured instances you can deploy in minutes and manage as code.
• Managed private cloud (MPC) and hybrid cloud offerings that enable the creation of custom cloud-based environments.
• The Data Security Cloud platform (created in collaboration with Intel and VMware) that enables you to store sensitive data in a highly secure cloud storage.
• Backup and restore services that help clients to create air-tight BDR strategies.
• Colocation services that enable clients to set up equipment at pNAP's flagship facility in Phoenix. This data center offers access to several handy cloud on-ramps, including AWS Direct Connect and Google Cloud Interconnect.

phoenixNAP's global presence and diverse services make it an attractive choice for companies aiming to scale operations internationally while maintaining high security and performance standards. The focus on compliance also makes phoenixNAP highly suitable for organizations in high-risk industries.

CoreSite

CoreSite, a subsidiary of American Tower, is a popular colocation and hybrid IT service provider. This vendor operates 27 facilities across 11 major U.S. markets, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and New York City.

Here are the main reasons why CoreSite is among the market's top TierPoint competitors:

• An extensive interconnection ecosystem with direct access to numerous networks and providers (AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Google Cloud, Oracle, etc.).
• High-density colocation options that can accommodate various business requirements (wholesale and retail).
• Robust data center security measures, including 24/7 surveillance and multi-factor access controls.
• Helpful project management and move-in assistance services.
• Compliance with SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001.
• Ongoing initiatives for energy-efficient infrastructure and carbon footprint reduction.
• Dedicated account managers and 24/7/365 support.
• Recognition in the CRN 2024 Data Center 50 list for excellence in colocation and interconnection services.

CoreSite's extensive connectivity options and focus on the U.S. market make it an ideal choice for low-latency IT deployments that target users across North America. Its scalable infrastructure also makes CoreSite an excellent choice for large-scale hybrid cloud architectures that involve collocated hardware.

Equinix

Equinix is a global provider of colocation and interconnection services. With over 260 data centers worldwide, Equinix enables large businesses to deploy and connect IT infrastructure at scale.

Equinix stands out as an alternative to TierPoint due to its global scale, interconnection capabilities, and strong partnerships with major cloud providers. Its extensive global reach and direct interconnection options make Equinix ideal for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Here are the main selling points of Equinix:

• One of the largest global data center networks spanning 33 countries and 70+ metro areas.
• Highly secure facilities with top-tier compliance certifications (SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA).
• Scalable colocation services with customizable power and cooling options.
• A user-friendly portal and API for managing services.
• On-demand, software-defined interconnections between clouds, networks, and partners (the Equinix Fabric feature).
• Strong ecosystem of over 10,000 businesses fostering collaboration and direct peering via the Equinix Internet Exchange.
• Various functions for rapid cloud networking.
• Handy managed services for IT optimization, monitoring, remote management, and troubleshooting of colocated infrastructure.
• Various security add-on services, including DDoS prevention and zero trust architectures.

Equinix is best suited for enterprises, large-scale SaaS providers, and businesses with applications that require global infrastructure with low-latency interconnections. This provider is also a strong option for businesses that need high-speed, direct connections to multiple carriers, exchanges, or cloud providers.

US Signal

US Signal is an IT solutions provider specializing in colocation, cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and data protection. The company operates eight data centers strategically located in the Midwest, offering secure and reliable infrastructure for businesses operating in that region.

US Signal is a solid TierPoint alternative for businesses that require a regional provider with a strong fiber-optic network and top-tier managed services. Additionally, US Signal strongly emphasizes security, with multiple DR and backup solutions for clients concerned with business continuity.

Here are the main benefits of signing up with US Signal:

• Eight highly secure data centers with excellent redundancy.
• Direct connections to several hyperscalers, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Robust disaster recovery and business continuity solutions, with excellent Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) options.
• Various private, public, and hybrid cloud solutions that enable custom cloud deployment models.
• High-speed, low-latency fiber connectivity, MPLS, and SD-WAN solutions.
• Excellent managed services for infrastructure setup, management, monitoring, and compliance adherence.
• Security-first infrastructure with features like encryption, next-gen firewalls, and effective DDoS mitigation.
• Flexible colocation options with customizable power, cooling, and security features.

US Signal is ideal for businesses in the Midwest that require reliable colocation or DR services with strong network connectivity. The provider's expertise in compliance-driven IT infrastructure makes US Signal a popular choice for organizations in highly regulated industries and clients dealing with sensitive data.

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain is a data center vendor that provides colocation, cloud computing, and compliance-ready data storage services. The company operates over 20 data centers across North America, Europe, and Asia and is a popular choice for companies with strict data protection requirements.

Iron Mountain provides a larger global footprint than TierPoint, making it a better option for enterprises that need infrastructure across multiple markets. The provider's focus on data center sustainability also makes it stand out compared to TierPoint.

Here are Iron Mountain's most notable benefits:

• A global data center presence across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Extensive solutions for data management, protection, storage, long-term archival, and transformation.
• Industry-leading security standards with extensive compliance certifications, including FISMA and FedRAMP compliance.
• Highly scalable colocation services with flexible deployment options.
• Secure cloud storage solutions with robust DR, backup, and data recovery capabilities.
• Direct connectivity to major cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Strong focus on sustainability, including zero-waste initiatives and 100% renewable energy usage for multiple facilities.
• Customer support that's available 24/7/365.

Iron Mountain's deep expertise in data protection and regulatory compliance makes it a preferred choice for organizations dealing with sensitive information. However, businesses looking for a provider with extensive managed IT services may need to supplement Iron Mountain with third-party solutions or consider other TierPoint competitors.

CyrusOne

CyrusOne specializes in enterprise-class colocation and hybrid cloud solutions. The company operates more than 50 facilities across North America, Europe, and South America and is the chosen partner of several Fortune 1000 companies, hyperscalers, and government agencies.

CyrusOne is an excellent alternative to TierPoint for businesses that require large-scale colocation and high-performance computing. Unlike TierPoint, CyrusOne specializes in enterprise-grade infrastructure designed for top-tier scalability, making it a better choice for clients with advanced data center needs.

Here's why CyrusOne made its way onto our list of the best TierPoint competitors:

• A global network of over 50 data centers across three continents.
• Customizable high-density colo solutions optimized for enterprise and hyperscale clients.
• High-performance infrastructure ideal for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data, and other demanding workloads.
• An emphasis on carrier neutrality with direct connections to AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and other cloud platforms.
• Robust security and compliance with industry-leading certifications.
• Round-the-clock remote hands for on-site equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

CyrusOne is best suited for enterprises, hyperscalers, and cloud-driven businesses that require high-density colo with extensive interconnections. Low-latency connectivity and energy-efficient infrastructure also make the provider a go-to choice for organizations with high-density workloads.

Flexential

Flexential is an IT and data center solutions provider specializing in colocation, cloud computing, disaster recovery, and managed services. With over 40 data centers across the U.S., Flexential provides highly customizable IT solutions targeted primarily at mid-sized and enterprise-level businesses.

Flexential stands out among TierPoint competitors for its seamless integration of colocated systems with private and multi-cloud environments. The company also heavily emphasizes security and compliance, which makes its data centers suitable for highly regulated sectors.

Here's why Flexential is among the most popular TierPoint alternatives:

• A strong focus on hybrid IT and seamless integration between colocated equipment and cloud-based systems.
• High-density colocation and optimized power configurations for AI-driven workloads.
• Comprehensive business continuity, data backup, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Excellent managed services that help set up, manage, and secure colo equipment.
• Cloud on-ramps to AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and other providers.
• Various remote hands services and 24/7 expert support.
• Certifications for HIPAA, PCI DSS, HITRUST, ISO 27001, SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and ITAR.
• Access to the FlexAnywhere platform for centralized IT management, workload optimization, and interconnection between the provider's data centers.
• SLA-backed 99.999% uptime guarantee for premium clients.

Flexential is ideal for mid-sized organizations and enterprises that need a reliable hybrid IT provider with a strong data center presence across the United States. Companies in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government will benefit from Flexential's security and compliance expertise.

QTS

QTS is a data center provider specializing in hyperscale, hybrid colocation, and managed data center services. The company is known for its innovative use of virtual data centers (VDCs) and a commitment to sustainability, making it a go-to choice for clients that prioritize operational efficiency and ecology.

Here's an overview of why you should seriously consider signing up with QTS:

• An extensive geographic reach with large-scale campuses in key markets.
• High-density colo infrastructure designed for power-intensive and large-scale workloads.
• AI-ready infrastructure optimized for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.
• Carrier-neutral facilities with robust connectivity options.
• High-performance interconnection services, including top-tier software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities.
• Access to the self-service SDP platform that helps monitor power usage, network performance, and other critical metrics in real-time.
• Strong security framework with compliance for FedRAMP, HIPAA, and SOC certifications.
• Sustainability-focused operations with several notable renewable energy initiatives.
• Broad use of AI for energy management, predictive maintenance, and security enhancements.
• Dedicated customer support and a highly transparent pricing structure.

QTS is best suited for large enterprises, government agencies, and hyperscale cloud providers that need highly secure, scalable, and automated data center solutions. However, clients seeking a provider with a more regional focus and broader managed IT services may find other TierPoint competitors a better fit.

Digital Realty

With over 300 facilities across six continents, Digital Realty provides highly scalable and secure data center services to enterprises and hyperscale cloud providers. Digital Realty is an excellent alternative to TierPoint for clients looking for a large-scale, globally connected data center provider.

Here are the main benefits of signing up for Digital Realty's services:

• An extensive global footprint with data centers in key business hubs.
• High-performance interconnection services (including Megaport and PacketFabric) and direct on-ramps to major cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Specialized infrastructure for AI, machine learning, and big data processing.
• Access to the PlatformDIGITAL platform that enables businesses to optimize their IT infrastructure across multiple regions.
• Enterprise-grade security, including biometric access controls and compliance certifications (SOC, ISO, PCI).
• Managed services that help users set up IT infrastructure and optimize operations.
• Round-the-clock support and dedicated account managers.

Digital Realty is an excellent choice for enterprises that require global reach, high-density colo, or low-latency connectivity between multiple markets. Its extensive ecosystem of network providers and cloud on-ramps makes Digital Realty particularly well-suited for businesses with hybrid and multi-cloud strategies.

Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers is a provider that primarily focuses on high-performance colo services. With facilities across North America, the EU, and Asia-Pacific, Vantage focuses on delivering high-density data center services for large enterprises and organizations with AI-driven workloads.

Vantage Data Centers is an excellent TierPoint alternative for companies requiring large-scale, high-density colocation. While TierPoint serves mid-sized businesses that need managed services and regional colocation, Vantage primarily caters to large organizations that require customizable, high-capacity environments.

Here are the main advantages and selling points of Vantage Data Centers:

• Facilities in key global markets across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
• A variety of build-to-suit solutions that allow clients to tailor data center specifications.
• Industry-standard certifications and robust security protocols for enterprise-level data protection.
• Hyperscale-focused colocation with high-density capacity ideal for AI and machine learning.
• Rapid deployment capabilities ideal for dynamic, large-scale IT infrastructure.
• Advanced power designs and water-saving cooling solutions designed to support high-performance workloads.
• An emphasis on sustainability with carbon-neutral goals, water-free cooling systems, and energy-efficient infrastructure.

Vantage is best suited for large enterprises with HPC or AI workloads and businesses that require scalable colocation with an emphasis on rapid expansion. On the other hand, companies seeking managed IT services, disaster recovery, or smaller colo deployments may find more value in other TierPoint competitors.

How to Choose the Right TierPoint Alternative

Selecting the best alternative to TierPoint requires you first to determine your specific business needs, infrastructure requirements, and long-term goals. Begin by defining your exact requirements from a data center provider by answering these key questions:

• Are you looking for standard hands-on colocation, or do you require managed IT services?
• Do you need a data center with direct connectivity to some specific cloud provider(s) or carrier(s)?
• Do you need data centers in specific locations for latency or compliance reasons?
• How much capacity will you require in the future?
• What industry regulations must your provider meet (e.g., HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS)?

Each provider brings unique strengths, making it essential to compare them based on their focus areas. Here's where all TierPoint competitors mentioned in this article excel at:

• phoenixNAP, Flexential, and CyrusOne stand out in terms of extensive connectivity options and excellent hybrid IT solutions.
• Iron Mountain, pNAP, and US Signal offer industry-leading protections that make them a great choice if regulatory compliance is your highest priority.
• Equinix, Digital Realty, and Vantage Data Centers best suit hyperscale and enterprise-level clients.
• CoreSite and QTS provide strong regional colocation and edge computing solutions.

Pricing and contract flexibility are also key factors. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go models, while others require long-term commitments. It's also vital that you look beyond the advertised costs and consider hidden fees such as:

• Cross-connect charges.
• Bandwidth expenses.
• Setup or migration costs.

Additionally, carefully evaluate the provider's service level agreements and support options. A strong provider should offer a 99.99% uptime guarantee, 24/7 on-site support, and remote hands services for emergencies. Those with strict disaster recovery plans should consider providers specializing in business continuity solutions, like phoenixNAP or US Signal.

Which TierPoint Competitor Is Right for You?

While TierPoint offers solid data center services, exploring alternative options may lead you to vendors with more favorable pricing, better features, and more suitable facility locations. Evaluate all the TierPoint competitors outlined in this article and find a provider that aligns the best with your budgetary and IT requirements.