Data centres have become the backbone of modern business operations. It helps companies to store, process, and access vast amounts of data with ease. So, it’s no surprise that in 2023, the data centre market is anticipated to generate US$342.10 billion in revenue. Further, network Infrastructure is the market's biggest segment, with a 2023 market volume estimate of US$203.40 billion.
If you're thinking of setting up a data centre, you'll need a huge plot of land, loads of technical expertise, and great management skills to keep up with demanding service-level agreements (SLA) to protect some of the most valuable data.
But don't worry, we've got you covered! Take a look at our list of the top and fast-growing data centre companies that are driving digital transformation for governments, businesses, and people from all backgrounds.
What do Data Centre companies do?
Data centre companies are specialised service providers that operate and manage large data centres designed to store, process, and distribute data. These facilities provide businesses with a secure and controlled environment to store their critical digital assets, such as websites, applications, and databases.
Data centre companies or cloud service providers offer support including:
- Hosting services: This service is ideal for companies that require high-performance computing resources or have specific software needs.
- Colocation services: It allows businesses to rent space in their facilities to host their servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
- Cloud computing services: It services include infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
- Managed hosting services: This service includes the management of hardware, software, security, and network infrastructure. It is useful for companies that need more technical expertise or resources to manage their hosting environments.
- Disaster recovery services: It ensures business continuity in the event of a natural disaster, cyber attack, or another disruptive event. These services include backup and recovery solutions, failover services, and disaster recovery planning and testing.
- Interconnection services: These services include direct connection, cross-connect, and virtual interconnection.
Top 10 Best Data Centre Companies in 2023
More data centres globally depend on cloud and SaaS providers to build more security and efficiency for future operations. We’ve listed the top data centre companies in 2023 below.
1. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google offers GCP cloud computing services. It provides businesses with a range of data centre solutions, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). GCP is known for its advanced machine learning capabilities and global network of data centres that offer low latency and high performance.
Google owns nearly 30 data centres that are either in use or being built in ten different countries around the world. These data centres provide support for Google's primary products and platforms, including Gmail, Google Drive, Maps, Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube, as well as its cloud regions.
2. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
An Amazon sub-company, Amazon Web Services was introduced in 2006. As one of the largest cloud service providers in the world, AWS has a global infrastructure of data centres.
They offer a wide range of services, including storage, computing, and database solutions. AWS is known for its scalability, flexibility, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. The business has expanded over time, and in 2021 it generated $62 billion in revenue.
3. Microsoft Azure
Azure is another popular cloud service provider that offers data centre solutions to businesses and organisations. They have a robust global network of data centres that provide services such as analytics, storage, and virtual machines. Azure is known for its hybrid cloud capabilities, allowing businesses to integrate their on-premise and cloud infrastructure seamlessly.
Microsoft's cloud business generated $27.1 billion in revenue, up 22% (up 29% in constant currency) from the previous year as the commercial products continue to benefit the clients.
4. IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud is a cloud service provider that offers a range of data centre solutions to businesses. It has a global network of data centres that provide services such as computing, storage, and networking. It is known for its hybrid cloud capabilities, allowing businesses to integrate their on-premise and cloud infrastructure seamlessly.
IBM's revenue increased by 6% and by 11% in constant currency to $60.5 billion. Revenue from hybrid clouds increased by 11% overall and by 17% when adjusted for currency.
5. Equinix
Equinix is a global data centre provider that specialises in colocation and interconnection services. It has a vast network of data centres in over 50 markets worldwide. Equinix is known for its carrier-neutral approach, allowing businesses to choose from a range of network providers. In 2022, Equinix’s revenue of $7.263 billion, increased by 9% or 11% when normalised from the previous year.
6. Digital Realty
Digital Realty is another global data centre provider that specialises in colocation and interconnection services. The main services of Digital Realty are known for their sustainability efforts, with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, Digital Realty reported revenues of $1.2 billion, an increase of 3% from the previous quarter and 11% from the same quarter the previous year.
7. NTT Communications
NTT Communications is a global telecommunications company that provides businesses with a range of data centre solutions. The services of NTT Communications are known for their high-speed network connectivity, allowing businesses to transfer data quickly and efficiently. The annual revenue for NTT Communications Data in 2021 was $7.4 billion.
The data centre services provided by NTT include managed services, application services, cloud on-ramps, worldwide networks & connectivity, wholesale capacity, and build-to-suit capabilities.
8. CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a global communications company that provides businesses with a range of data centre solutions, including colocation, cloud computing, and managed services. Operating revenue for CenturyLink (now known as Lumen Technologies Inc.) came to $17.48 billion in 2022, which was a decrease from the $19.69 billion the business reported the year before.
9. AT&T
AT&T is a global telecommunications company that provides communications services for wireless networks, mobile phones, digital television, the internet, and landlines.
The company also delivers Content Delivery Network (CDN) services that include cloud security, enterprise solutions, and web and mobile speed optimised for your company. Due to increased service sales, AT&T revenues in 2022 increased by 1.7% from the previous year to $21.5 billion.
10. GDS Holdings
The biggest operator of carrier-neutral data centres in China is GDS Holdings. It provides controlled services, such as direct private connections to top public clouds, and colocation.
GDS is a wholesale data centre operator that provides services to big internet businesses like Alibaba and Tencent as well as cloud service providers in China. In addition to Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China, GDS also operates data centres in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Macau.
The most recent financial reports for GDS Holdings indicate that the company's present revenue (TTM) is $1.37 billion. The business's sales increased to $1.20 billion in 2021 from $0.83 billion in 2020.
To Sum it Up
Data centre companies provide specialised services to operate and manage large data centres that store, process, and distribute data for businesses. These services include hosting, colocation, cloud computing, managed hosting, disaster recovery, and interconnection services.
Each of these companies provides a wide range of data centre solutions and has a vast network of data centres worldwide, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Are you in need of assistance when it comes to selecting the right data centre for your application? VirtualSpirit professional experts would be delighted to provide you with the aid you need. Let's talk it over with us.
