CoreSite is a data center operator that leases physical space and infrastructure to businesses

CoreSite owns and operates data centers across the United States where companies rent space to house their servers, networking equipment, and other computing hardware. The company does not provide cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure do. Instead, CoreSite offers the physical building, power supply, cooling systems, and security that keep equipment running — what the industry calls colocation.

CoreSite was acquired by American Tower Corporation in 2021, which means American Tower now owns and operates the facilities under the CoreSite brand. If you are researching where to place your company's servers or networking gear, CoreSite is one option among many data center operators. Understanding what CoreSite actually provides — and what it does not — helps you decide whether it fits your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • CoreSite rents physical space in data centers; you own and manage the equipment that goes inside.
  • The company provides power, cooling, security, and network connectivity but not cloud software or managed services.
  • CoreSite operates facilities in multiple U.S. cities, so location matters depending on where your business or customers are.
  • Colocation costs vary by data center location, power usage, and how much floor space you need.
  • CoreSite is now owned and operated by American Tower Corporation as of 2021.

What CoreSite provides in a data center

When you rent space at a CoreSite facility, you get a physical location with several built-in services. The data center provides redundant power systems so your equipment stays running even if the main power grid fails. It supplies cooling and air handling to keep servers from overheating. CoreSite also provides physical security — locked cages or cabinets, surveillance, and access controls — so only authorized people can reach your equipment.

Most CoreSite locations also offer network connectivity, meaning the facility has connections to multiple internet service providers and network carriers. This lets your equipment connect to the internet and to other networks without you having to arrange those connections separately. You can also connect your equipment to other customers' equipment within the same data center, which is useful if you work with partners or run distributed systems.

What CoreSite does not provide is the equipment itself or the software running on it. You buy or lease your own servers, storage, and networking gear. You install and manage the software, operating systems, and applications. CoreSite is the landlord and utilities provider, not the technology provider.

Colocation versus cloud services

The difference between CoreSite and cloud providers like AWS or Azure matters for your decision. With a cloud provider, you rent computing power by the hour or month — you do not own physical equipment, and the provider manages the underlying infrastructure. With CoreSite colocation, you own the hardware, you manage it, and CoreSite provides only the space and utilities.

Colocation makes sense if you already own servers and want to move them to a professional data center, or if you need direct control over your hardware for compliance or performance reasons. Cloud services make sense if you want to avoid buying equipment upfront or if you want the provider to handle all infrastructure management. Many businesses use both — they might run some workloads in the cloud and keep other equipment in a colocation facility.

CoreSite locations and availability

CoreSite operates data centers in several U.S. metropolitan areas. The specific locations and available capacity change over time, so you would need to check CoreSite's current website or contact American Tower directly for up-to-date information on which facilities are open and what space is available.

Location matters because it affects latency (the time it takes data to travel between your equipment and your users or partners), cost, and access to specific network carriers. A data center near your customers or your business headquarters may be more practical than one across the country. If you work with a cloud provider or other colocation customers in a specific city, being in the same data center can reduce latency and simplify connections.

How colocation pricing works

CoreSite charges for colocation based on several factors. The primary cost is the physical space you rent — usually measured in rack units (a standard unit of height for server equipment) or full cabinets. You also pay for power based on how much electricity your equipment draws, usually measured in kilowatts. Additional services like extra cooling, redundant power feeds, or private cages cost more.

Network connectivity may be included in your base fee or charged separately depending on the package you choose. Some customers pay a flat monthly rate for a certain amount of space and power; others pay variable rates based on actual usage. Pricing varies significantly by location and facility, so you would need to request a quote from CoreSite for your specific needs.

What to consider before choosing a colocation provider

If you are deciding whether CoreSite is right for you, start by clarifying what you need. Do you already own servers that need a home, or are you building a new infrastructure? How much power will your equipment need? Do you need to be in a specific geographic location? What level of redundancy and uptime do you require?

Next, compare CoreSite against other colocation providers in the same cities where you need space. Look at the specific services included in each package, the power and cooling capacity available, the network carriers present in each facility, and the total cost. Ask about their uptime guarantees (often expressed as a Service Level Agreement or SLA), their backup power systems, and their security practices. Request references from other customers if possible.

Also consider whether colocation is the right choice at all. If you do not already own equipment and do not need direct hardware control, a cloud provider might be simpler and cheaper. If you need managed services — someone else to monitor and maintain your equipment — some colocation providers offer that as an add-on, but CoreSite itself does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sign a long-term contract with CoreSite?

Contract terms vary by location and package. Some CoreSite facilities offer month-to-month arrangements, while others require longer commitments. You would need to contact CoreSite or American Tower directly to learn what terms are available at the specific facility you are interested in.

Can I move my equipment out of CoreSite if I change my mind?

Yes, colocation is not permanent. You can remove your equipment at any time, though you may owe fees through the end of your contract period depending on your agreement. Plan ahead because physically moving servers takes time and coordination.

Does CoreSite manage or monitor my equipment?

CoreSite provides the physical space and infrastructure, but does not manage your servers or software by default. You are responsible for monitoring and maintaining your equipment. Some colocation providers offer managed services as an add-on; check with CoreSite about what options are available.

What happens if there is a power outage at the data center?

CoreSite data centers have backup power systems, usually including diesel generators and battery backup, so your equipment should stay running during a grid outage. However, no system is 100 percent reliable. Ask CoreSite about their specific uptime may provide and what their Service Level Agreement covers.

Is colocation more expensive than cloud services?

It depends on your usage and how long you keep the equipment. Colocation has predictable monthly costs but requires you to buy hardware upfront. Cloud services have no upfront cost but can become expensive if you run high-traffic workloads continuously. For some businesses, colocation is cheaper over time; for others, cloud is more economical.