Data Centers in Arlington Heights

Market Overview

Arlington Heights occupies a strategic position in the Chicago metropolitan area's data center landscape, serving as an important suburban node for organizations seeking colocation services outside of Chicago's urban core. Located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the city provides businesses with access to the region's robust digital infrastructure while offering the operational advantages of a suburban environment.

The Chicago metropolitan area represents one of the nation's largest data center markets, and Arlington Heights benefits from its proximity to this digital ecosystem. The location provides an attractive balance for organizations that need connectivity to Chicago's extensive fiber networks and internet exchanges while preferring facilities situated away from the higher costs and density challenges of urban data centers.

Arlington Heights' position along major transportation corridors enhances its appeal as a colocation destination. The city's accessibility via major highways and its connection to regional infrastructure make it an efficient location for data center operations that require reliable physical access for maintenance, equipment delivery, and emergency response.

Key Providers

GigeNET operates the primary colocation facility serving the Arlington Heights market. As an established provider in the data center industry, GigeNET brings experience in delivering colocation services to businesses ranging from small enterprises to larger organizations with more complex hosting requirements.

GigeNET's presence in Arlington Heights reflects the broader trend of data center providers establishing facilities in strategic suburban locations that offer proximity to major metropolitan markets while providing operational efficiencies. The company's approach to colocation services typically focuses on delivering reliable infrastructure and support services that meet the diverse needs of their customer base.

Connectivity & Network

Arlington Heights benefits from its location within the greater Chicago area's extensive telecommunications infrastructure. The Chicago region serves as a major telecommunications hub for the Midwest, with multiple fiber routes connecting the area to national and international networks. This regional connectivity extends to suburban markets like Arlington Heights, providing businesses with access to diverse network options.

The proximity to Chicago's carrier hotels and internet exchanges means that businesses in Arlington Heights can leverage the broader region's network density. While the city may not host major internet exchange points directly, its connection to the Chicago area's digital infrastructure provides access to the low-latency connectivity that many applications require.

Network redundancy represents a key consideration for colocation customers, and the Chicago metropolitan area's multiple fiber routes and carrier presence support diverse connectivity options. Organizations can typically access multiple internet service providers and establish redundant network connections to ensure business continuity.

Power & Infrastructure

The electrical infrastructure serving Arlington Heights benefits from the broader Chicago area's mature power grid. ComEd, the primary electric utility for the region, maintains an extensive transmission and distribution network that supports the power requirements of data center operations in suburban markets.

Power reliability remains crucial for data center operations, and the suburban environment of Arlington Heights often provides advantages in terms of grid stability compared to more densely developed urban areas. The lower density of power-intensive operations in suburban markets can translate to more consistent electrical service and fewer strain-related outages.

The Chicago region's diverse energy generation portfolio includes traditional sources as well as increasing renewable energy options. Organizations with sustainability requirements may find opportunities to source clean energy through utility programs or renewable energy certificate purchases, supporting their environmental objectives while maintaining reliable power for critical operations.

Certifications & Compliance

While specific certifications for the Arlington Heights colocation market are not detailed, data center providers typically maintain industry-standard compliance frameworks to meet customer requirements. Common certifications in the colocation industry include SOC 2 Type II, which validates security and operational controls, and ISO 27001 for information security management systems.

Organizations in regulated industries often require colocation providers to demonstrate compliance with specific standards. HIPAA compliance becomes essential for healthcare organizations, while PCI DSS certification supports businesses that process payment card information. These compliance frameworks provide customers with assurance that their data center providers maintain appropriate security and operational controls.

The importance of certifications extends beyond regulatory requirements to include operational best practices. Certified facilities typically demonstrate systematic approaches to security, change management, incident response, and other critical operational areas that directly impact customer service quality.

Services Available

Colocation services in the Arlington Heights market typically encompass a range of options designed to meet diverse customer requirements. These services generally include rack space rental, power allocation, network connectivity, and basic support services that form the foundation of colocation offerings.

Remote hands services represent an important component of colocation packages, particularly for organizations that manage their infrastructure remotely. These services enable customers to request basic maintenance tasks, equipment reboots, and other routine operations without requiring on-site visits.

Security services typically include controlled facility access, surveillance systems, and environmental monitoring to protect customer equipment and data. These baseline security measures provide the physical protection that organizations require for their critical IT infrastructure.

Who Should Consider This Market

Arlington Heights colocation services appeal to organizations that value proximity to the Chicago market while preferring suburban data center locations. Small to medium-sized businesses often find suburban colocation facilities provide the right balance of services, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness for their requirements.

Companies with regional operations centered on the Chicago area may benefit from Arlington Heights' position within this market while avoiding the higher costs typically associated with downtown data center facilities. Organizations that require regular physical access to their infrastructure often appreciate the accessibility and parking availability that suburban locations typically provide.

Businesses seeking to establish redundant data center locations may consider Arlington Heights as a complement to urban facilities, providing geographic diversity while maintaining connectivity to the broader Chicago area's digital infrastructure.