The demand for colocation services is skyrocketing—but so are the wait times to secure space in data centers. With businesses turning to high-performance infrastructure to support AI, cloud computing, and data-driven applications, colocation providers are under immense pressure to meet industry needs.
For IT leaders like CTOs, CIOs, and IT Directors, this surge presents a serious challenge. The once-simple task of securing colocation space now requires strategic planning and foresight. We’re seeing 6 to 12 month waitlists in and around metropolitan areas.
Why Are Colocation Waitlists Getting Longer?
Colocation wait times hinge on several factors, including demand spikes in certain regions, the scale of the requested infrastructure, and the availability of provider resources. The growing reliance on AI workloads and cloud migration projects has been a heavy contributor, as enterprises push for more resilient, scalable colocation solutions.
Key Drivers of Wait Times & How Each Can Impact Your Timeline
Demand and Location
Data center locations that are at the center of bustling tech hub activity see the most significant strains. Major cities like Silicon Valley, New York, London, and Singapore already experience sky-high demand. Adding additional requests to these regions when space is limited often leads to extended wait times.
If you need colocation services urgently, consider targeting locations outside major cities. Secondary markets might not have the prestige of tech hubs, but they’re often able to accommodate requests much faster.
Size of the Space Requested
Not all colocation requests are created equal. A few server racks? You could be in luck—smaller configurations are generally easier to accommodate. However, if your IT strategy revolves around private cages or entire suites, you might face delays due to the added complexity.
If speed is a priority, start small and scale up gradually. Talk to colocation providers about phased deployments to meet your immediate needs while planning for your long-term goals.
Provider and Infrastructure Availability
Not all colocation providers operate at the same scale. Some, with expansive networks or recently opened facilities, can handle additional requests more readily. Niche or specialized colocation providers (e.g., those offering enhanced security for finance or government clients) may face stricter capacity limits, requiring weeks—or even months—to prepare suitable configurations.
When negotiating with providers, ask about available capacity at secondary data centers or expansions. Some providers may be able to expedite onboarding by directing you to newer facilities.
Customization and Setup Requirements
Need highly specialized configurations, such as custom power and cooling solutions, or enhanced security measures? Expect delays. Providers often need time to customize infrastructure, set up specialized hardware, and ensure compliance with specific requirements.
Be specific, but flexible. Share your requirements upfront and discuss the most time-efficient ways to achieve your goals with the provider. This can save weeks of back-and-forth during implementation.
How to Secure Colocation Space Faster
Plan Ahead Start conversations with colocation providers early—well before space becomes a critical need. Many waitlists operate on a first-come-first-served basis, giving proactive organizations a competitive edge.
Commit to Longer-Term Contracts Providers are often more motivated to prioritize businesses that commit to multi-year contracts. By securing a longer-term agreement, you may be able to bypass standard waitlists and onboard faster.
Target Secondary Markets Technological capabilities in secondary markets are growing rapidly, and they often come with lower wait times and competitive pricing. Expanding your search radius can greatly improve your chances of finding hosts with availability.
Balance Customization with Speed While custom setups can deliver long-term benefits, be mindful of their impact on your timeline. Opt for standard configurations wherever possible—and consider postponing non-critical customizations until after onboarding.
Maintain Relationships with Providers Having an established relationship with colocation providers—whether through previous partnerships or ongoing discussions—can result in expedited responses when new capacity becomes available.
Why Working with a Technology Broker Now Matters More Than Ever
The bottom line is simple—colocation waitlists are only going to grow longer as demand keeps climbing. For IT leaders, enlisting a veteran technology broker who can assist you in narrowing the search rapidly and negotiate a optimal deal can be invaluable.
Take advantage of My Resource Partners’ FREE Colocation Assessment. Leverage our technology advisors’ insights to consult with leading colocation providers about space availability, contracts, and setups. Doing so could save you weeks—or even months—of delays. The best part is that through our national wholesale network, you’ll save 35% or more than going direct.
Do You Have a Complex Networking Project?
No worries. We have access to the leading solutions engineers in the nation who will assist your team in crafting a sound strategy to ensure your colocation move goes smoothly.
