Brightlio Blog

Located in Orange County, California, Irvine has become a popular destination for data center operators. Currently, there are over eleven colocation data centers in the city. Some popular Irvine colocation providers include Cyxtera, Data Bank, Cloudtrek, and Evoque.

Due to its excellent connectivity, strategic location, and favorable business environment, the city is gradually emerging as a prime location for colocation investments. In this article, we’ll explore five reasons Irvine’s colocation facilities are an excellent fit for your business.

Irvine’s Network Infrastructure Is a Colocation Magnet

Irvine has several internet service providers, including AT&T, Cox, and Spectrum, which offer high-speed internet connections and reliable network infrastructure. Unfortunately, the city does not have an availability zone for prominent cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Oracle. 

Irvine provides empty underground conduits to scale its internet capacity, which fiber companies can easily take advantage of. For example, companies like Edison, Google Fiber, and Cox have been able to quickly deploy fiber optic networks that provide businesses with reliable, high-speed data connections. 

Furthermore, Irvine’s council supports the city’s growing internet needs by pursuing several projects. For example, 

• Irvine is the first city in southern California where Google Fiber will be available to businesses.
• The Southern California Edison company will deploy over 50 miles of new fiber optic cables to expand the city’s network capacity. These cables are expected to provide low latency and up to 100 Gigabits/second speeds.

With its robust network infrastructure, Irvine colocation facilities no longer need to worry about business downtime and productivity. 

Data Centers in Irvine Have Access to Consistent Power

Compared to other data center markets like Oakland, energy in Irvine are on the pricier end. The average electricity rate in Irvine is 32 ¢/kWh, which is 5% higher than California’s electricity rate and 38% higher than the national average rate. Despite this figure, the city is known for its consistent and reliable power infrastructure. 

Southern California Edison (SCE) is the sole utility provider for Irvine. The company provides data centers with consistent power supply and 24/7 customer support at affordable rates. To ensure no interference with the electrical utility lines, SCE provides information on rotating outages, energy efficiency, emergency preparedness, and tree planting guidelines. 

Due to its reliable power supply, colocation facilities in Irvine can provide consistent service to customers without experiencing power outages.

Irvine Data Centers Have Access to a Steady Stream of Renewable Energy

The City of Irvine runs renewable energy programs that help data centers reduce their electricity bills. Let’s take a look.

• Irvine is the largest city in Orange County to choose to receive its energy from 100% renewable sources. The Community Choice Energy (CCE) program allows the local government complete control over the ability to purchase power, set competitive rates, and collect revenue. Consequently, data centers can rely on the council’s CCE program to meet their sustainability goals at a more affordable rate.
• The University of California, Irvine (UCI) uses the Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) to develop, deploy, and manage sustainable power generation worldwide. To achieve this goal, the university actively collaborates with IT industries and companies that can sustain the program. The institution intends to use research, outreach, and education to drive more investments toward building alternative energy sources in Irvine. 
• Lastly, the Irvine council developed a Strategic Energy Plan to help reach its sustainability goals. The plan outlines the city’s steps to reduce energy consumption, become energy efficient, and judiciously manage energy resources.

To support a consistent electricity supply, the Irvine city council collaborates with data centers to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency.

1. Colocation Facilities in Irvine Aren’t Exposed to Harsh Weather

Irvine has a lower likelihood of experiencing natural disasters compared to many other places in California. It is not vulnerable to wildfires or flooding, often posing a significant threat to data centers. However, earthquakes are a common occurrence in Irvine. 

Because Irvine is severely prone to earthquakes, the office of emergency management provides assistance, protection, and guidelines that can help data centers and their clients prepare for hazardous weather. Moreover, the management team employs well-trained personnel and advanced technology to conduct local, county, state, and federal protection drills.

Irvine Has a Conducive Business Environment

With a population of over 200,000 people, Irvine is the third largest city in Orange county. The city is strategically located between Los Angeles and San Diego, making it an ideal location for businesses that require easy access to both markets. This strategic position also allows the region to have a diverse mix of companies, from startups to multinational corporations.

Irvine’s business-friendly environment is evident in its low business taxes, streamlined permitting processes, and skilled workforce. In addition, the city’s economic development agency offers incentives and guides to businesses that invest in the region. Irvine is also home to several major highways, including the 5, 405, and 55 freeways, which make it easy for businesses to transport data and equipment. 

Beyond these highways, the region is home to several top universities, including the University of California, Irvine, and Concordia University. These universities cultivate a talent pool of tech-inclined graduates essential for data centers that require highly skilled employees to operate and maintain their facilities.

How Brightlio Can Help With Irvine Colocation

At Brightlio, we help you find the most suitable and affordable colocation solution for your business needs. We also provide consultation services for data centers in Irvine, all at no cost to you. 

With our network of vetted global data center providers, we provide our honest and expert opinion on each option to help you make the best decision for your business. Our ultimate goal is to build long-lasting relationships with our customers through shared success over the years. 

We also offer additional data center services such as network connectivity, cloud solutions, and unified communications.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need pricing information for colocation services in Irvine or other markets. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Irvine Colocation 

What Factors Affect the Pricing of Colocation Services in Irvine? 

Here are some key factors that can impact the pricing of colocation services:

• Space: Colocation providers typically charge businesses based on the physical space they require to house their IT equipment. This pricing can range from a single rack or cabinet to an entire data center floor or more.
• Power: Colocation facilities charge a premium for power. Sometimes, customers pay based on a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or a flat fee for a set amount of power consumption.
• Bandwidth: Irvine data centers may also charge businesses based on the network bandwidth required to connect to the internet and other networks. Customers can pay a flat fee for a set amount of bandwidth or a fixed rate per megabit per second (Mbps).
• Additional services: Sometimes, colocation facilities may offer other services like remote hands, managed services, disaster recovery, and hosting.

How Do I Choose the Right Retail Colocation Provider?

When choosing a retail colocation provider, you must evaluate the provider’s track record and reputation and their ability to meet your specific business needs. 

Conducting a thorough needs assessment and comparing multiple providers can help you choose a provider that matches your requirements and fits your budget. Brightlio’s “Ultimate Guide to Colocation” can help you pick the right provider.