TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Structure Research, an independent research and consulting firm focused on the global digital infrastructure market, today released two reports designed to be read together: the behind-the-paywall 2026 Global Data Centre Colocation & Interconnection Report and Global Data Centre Market Tiering 2026, a free-to-download public report.
The Global Colocation report estimates the global colocation installed base at 63.8GW of operational critical IT capacity in 2026E and combined colocation and interconnection revenue at US$151.9b. These figures are forecast to reach 213.1GW and US$458.7b by 2031E.
Two reports, one market view
The reports answer different but related questions. Market Tiering shows where each market sits relative to others through common metrics and fixed classification rules. Global Colocation shows how large each market is, how quickly it is expected to grow, what demand and facility types drive it and how providers are positioned. Market Tiering is the comparative layer, while Global Colocation is the quantitative foundation.
The free report uses the regional and metro data underpinning Global Colocation as the foundation of its commercial-colocation axis, then adds hyperscale self-build, cloud-region, AI deployment, power and connectivity evidence. It is an interpretive layer rather than a condensed version of the behind-the-paywall report.
“A tier tells you where a market sits, but not what is happening inside it,” said Jabez Tan, Head of Research at Structure Research. “The free Market Tiering report provides the comparative map across 101 markets. The Global Colocation report provides the capacity, growth, provider and demand data needed to understand why each market sits where it does and how that position could change. The two reports are designed to be used together.”
How the Market Tiering report works
Market Tiering scores each market from zero to five on 16 metrics across four axes: commercial colocation, hyperscale cloud and self-build, AI market maturity and connectivity and network gravity. The axes carry weights of 40%, 30%, 15% and 15% respectively. A weighted composite maps each market into one of four tiers, subject to operational colocation and hyperscaler-presence scale gates.
Eleven of the 16 metrics are measured directly on Structure Research data. The commercial-colocation axis uses the same Data Centre Model and market definitions that underpin Global Colocation, including operational capacity and committed growth through 2031E. The classification then incorporates Structure Research's Hyperscale Self-Build Data Centre Model, deep-dive DCAI market models and AI deployment tracking, together with regulator, utility, cloud platform and network evidence.
The framework distinguishes operating capacity from forward commitments. Construction status and capital at risk are scored, while announcements are not. A financed campus under construction, signed power allocation or groundbroken programme counts. A multi-gigawatt ambition without a tenant, capital or power contract is carried at zero.
Northern Virginia ranks first overall, followed by Tokyo, Singapore, London and Sydney. Of the 101 markets assessed, 21 classify Tier 1, 29 Tier 2, 30 Tier 3 and 21 Tier 4. Asia-Pacific holds both the largest Tier 1 cohort and the largest Tier 4 cohort, reflecting how AI-driven capacity is creating deployment locations with very different levels of commercial and network maturity.
What Global Colocation provides beneath the tiers
- Global, regional and sub-regional market sizing by operational critical IT capacity and revenue from 2021 to 2031E, with interconnection reported separately.
- Forecasts for more than 90 tracked metro markets, together with maturity indices comparing current market maturity and forecast growth.
- Provider market share and competitive positioning for the top 20 providers globally and the top 15 across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific.
- Segmentation by buyer class, deal-size band and facility density, with workload analysed as an overlay.
- Regional analysis of AI demand, supply pipelines, power constraints, permitting and broader colocation-market dynamics.
A tier label does not disclose revenue size, provider share, demand mix, forecast capacity or the execution constraints behind growth. Global Colocation supplies those underlying details. Conversely, the behind-the-paywall report is not designed as a single comparative classification of 101 markets. Market Tiering supplies that lens. Neither report is a substitute for the other.
Used together, the reports give service providers, investors, lenders and end users a stronger basis for site selection, investment, competitive positioning and market-entry decisions.
Access both reports
Download the free Global Data Centre Market Tiering 2026 report HERE.
Download an executive summary or purchase the full 2026 Global Data Centre Colocation & Interconnection Report HERE.
For more information about Structure Research, visit www.structureresearch.net.
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About Structure Research
Structure Research is an independent research and consulting firm focused on the global digital infrastructure market. The firm provides syndicated research, proprietary data and advisory services covering data centres, hyperscale platforms, cloud, AI infrastructure and neoclouds. Its clients include service providers, investors, lenders and suppliers. Structure Research also convenes the infra/STRUCTURE executive summit.
Media Contact for Structure Research:
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