Equinix, a leader in global digital infrastructure, has announced that it will be discontinuing its bare metal services by the end of 2025. This decision leaves businesses relying on Equinix’s on-demand dedicated servers with a critical need to source new providers before the deadline. IT leaders must act now to ensure a seamless transition that minimizes disruption to operations.
Why This Matters
Bare metal services provide flexibility, security, and performance benefits of dedicated servers without the overhead of on-premises infrastructure. With Equinix stepping away from this offering, businesses must evaluate their options and migrate their workloads efficiently to avoid service gaps, performance degradation, or unexpected costs.
Equinix Metal has been a preferred choice for businesses seeking high-performance, on-demand infrastructure with direct integration into the Equinix ecosystem. The service has enabled enterprises to leverage hybrid and multi-cloud strategies without sacrificing security or control. With the upcoming discontinuation, businesses that have built their IT strategies around Equinix Metal must proactively seek alternative solutions.
The Challenges of Migration
Finding and deploying a new bare metal solution requires careful planning. IT leaders must consider factors such as:
- Performance & Scalability – Ensuring the new provider can meet performance demands with scalable solutions.
- Security & Compliance – Maintaining regulatory compliance and data security standards.
- Network Integration – Ensuring seamless connectivity with existing cloud and hybrid environments.
- Cost Management – Avoiding unnecessary expenses while optimizing infrastructure efficiency.
- Workload Optimization – Identifying the right infrastructure for specific workloads to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
Migrating from Equinix Metal is not as simple as switching to another provider. IT teams must assess the operational and financial impact of moving workloads, the time required for full migration, and the ability to maintain business continuity. Choosing the wrong provider or failing to plan adequately could result in unexpected downtime, compliance issues, or increased costs.
Alternative Bare Metal Providers
As IT leaders look for replacements, several bare metal providers stand out as viable alternatives:
- IBM Bare Metal Servers – Offers high-performance dedicated servers with security and compliance for enterprise needs.
- OVHcloud – Provides cost-effective, scalable bare metal solutions with global data center coverage.
- PhoenixNAP – Specializes in security-focused bare metal solutions with flexible configurations.
- Packet (Now Part of Equinix) – While Equinix Metal is shutting down, its former Packet team is still active in the industry and may provide insights on transitioning.
- Google Bare Metal Solution – Designed for enterprises looking for Google Cloud-integrated bare metal services.
Each provider offers unique benefits, and selecting the right one depends on workload requirements, geographic considerations, compliance needs, and budget.
How GCG Can Help
GCG specializes in helping enterprises navigate complex IT infrastructure transitions. Our team of expert consultants can assist with:
- Identifying the Right Bare Metal Providers – We work with top-tier providers to match your business needs.
- Contract Negotiations – Ensuring you get the best pricing, terms, and service level agreements.
- Seamless Migration & Implementation – Managing the technical and operational aspects of the transition.
- Ongoing Support & Optimization – Helping you maintain efficiency and performance post-migration.
Our team understands the nuances of bare metal deployments, hybrid cloud integration, and compliance requirements, ensuring that your transition is cost-effective, secure, and aligned with your long-term IT strategy.
Steps to Take Now
Waiting until the last minute could lead to rushed decisions, higher costs, and potential service disruptions. Here’s how IT leaders can get ahead of the transition:
- Assess Current Infrastructure – Identify the workloads running on Equinix Metal and determine performance requirements.
- Research Alternative Providers – Compare bare metal vendors to find the best fit for your needs.
- Plan for Migration – Establish a roadmap for migrating workloads without disrupting business operations.
- Engage with Experts – Partner with consultants like GCG to streamline the transition process.
- Test & Optimize – Run pilot migrations to ensure new infrastructure meets business demands before fully transitioning.
Final Thoughts
Equinix’s decision to end its bare metal services marks a significant shift in the IT landscape. Businesses relying on Equinix Metal must act now to find and implement alternative solutions.
GCG is here to help IT leaders navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring a seamless migration to a new provider while optimizing costs, performance, and security.
Contact us today to discuss your options and create a strategy for a successful migration.