Data centers without ceremony: who rules the digital world

In a world where every bit is under control, the largest data center owners divide the planet into zones of influence. Who controls the data and how far are they willing to go?

Enter a world where power is measured not by the number of cores, but by the number of server farms; where some companies hold control over information, while others only dream of real influence. Here everyone understands that true power is the ability to control the flow of data without being held back by means. So who are these players? Who rules this kingdom of hyperspeed?

Equinix – masters of large rooms

When you hear about server rooms, imagine that Equinix owns such “rooms” – more than 240 of them, and not just somewhere, but in the most necessary places: in 27 countries. $84 billion of capitalization will not decrease if proven specialists sit behind every byte of data. Their essence is simple: they came first, dug in, and now any deal is in their pocket. Under the guise of decent company, there are predators who know that someone will have to stay on the sidelines.

Digital Realty – masters of intersections

Digital Realty are the ones who always know where to arrange an intersection and protect it profitably. With 280 data centers and a capitalization of $53 billion, they would make anyone think twice about laying a cable past their properties. And why rush, if you can gradually gain a foothold in Europe, conclude a couple of “profitable” agreements and… absorb Interxion? Digital Realty knows: if you hurry, you will make people laugh. So they are moving slowly but surely.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) – a brute with ambitions

AWS is a giant that doesn't stand on ceremony. With 32% of the global cloud market and Amazon's $1.836 trillion capitalization, they are a fearsome force. Hundreds of data centers around the world operating according to their rules, and a customer base for which AWS is not just a partner, but almost an obligation – that is real, undisguised control. Their plans include even more data centers, even more clients and, of course, even more influence.

Microsoft Azure – a calculating warrior

Microsoft Azure operates as if on a chessboard: all the moves are thought out and the details are perfected. With 23% of the global cloud market and a market cap of $3.088 trillion, Microsoft isn't making any unnecessary moves. Azure operates more than 200 data centers in 60 regions and is always committed to enterprise integration. When they say they can aggregate all your data, it's not a suggestion – it's a warning.

Google Cloud – Data Hunter

Google Cloud knows that people like them will always find customers. Only 10% of the global cloud market? Not a problem when you have $2.139 trillion in capitalization behind you. Google always plays the long game by building its data centers where there is demand for accurate analytics. They're taking their time, but their 88 availability zones are competitive. And when they talk about the future, it sounds like a plan for conquest.

China Telecom – an impenetrable wall

China Telecom is not playing anyone else's game. More than 400 data centers and a capitalization of $50 billion – their territory and their rules. They do not like talking about international friendship and intend to develop according to their own rules. At home they will dictate terms, and those who do not agree can leave.

NTT Communications – Eastern Fortress

NTT from Japan is a little more modest, but no less reliable. $96 billion in capitalization and more than 140 data centers allow them to slowly strengthen their positions in the east and look into Western markets. NTT does not conduct harsh attacksbut if they decide that the region is important to them, know that sooner or later they will come there.

Europeans at hand – Interxion and OVHcloud

If Equinix, Digital Realty and Amazon lined up as the arbiters of destiny, then these guys from Europe, while not sharks, still know how to take their place. Interxion has long had its finger on the pulse of Europe: 50 data centers in 11 countries and the acquisition of Digital Realty, which left them with a European face. OVHcloud from France has 32 data centers and $3 billion in capitalization. These companies know how to be helpful when a “local” solution is needed.

How will they divide the world?

Data centers are not just infrastructure, but the currency of the present. American companies have taken over the West, the Chinese control the East, and the Europeans hold their lines of defense. In the future, there will be no room for extras – only for those who can guarantee access to the data.

Author's opinion: Please note who is the owner of this clearing. For those who doubt it, I’ll explain: whether there is a dollar or not, it doesn’t matter. A new infrastructure for managing the world is being built and is already working.

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