Enabling Digital Transformation for GCCs: Role of Colocation Data Centres
India has solidified its position as the global nucleus for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) hosting around 1,700 centres, which accounts for approximately 53% of the world’s GCCs. Together, these GCCs generated an estimated US $64.6 billion in export revenue and employed nearly 1.9 million professionals as of FY2024
GCC Growth Trajectory: From Support to Strategic Hubs
- The industry is on track to surpass US $100 billion in value by 2030, with projections indicating 2.4–2.5 thousand GCCs and a workforce swelling to 2.5+ million
- Recent insights from JLL estimate that GCC units will exceed 2,500 over the next 34 years, up from around 1,950 units at the end of 2024
Digital Transformation Imperatives Driving GCC Evolution
GCCs are no longer back-office setups—they now spearhead digital transformation, supporting disciplines like AI, cloud engineering, analytics, cybersecurity, compliance and more.
To enable this shift, GCCs require infrastructure that is:
- Flexible and scalable
- Highly resilient and compliant
- Latency-optimized through hybrid cloud interconnects
- Cost-efficient to maximize ROI
- Sustainably powered, aligning with ESG mandates
How Colocation Data Centres Empower GCC Digital Agendas
1. Scalability & Agility
GCCs can rapidly scale computing infrastructure without the burden of long procurement cycles or CAPEX-heavy setups, aligning infrastructure growth with evolving business demands.
2. Portal to Hybrid Cloud & Low-Latency Connectivity
Colocation enables direct, low-latency interconnections with hyperscale’s (AWS, Azure, GCP), making hybrid and multi-cloud architectures viable and performant.
3. Compliance, Sovereignty & Security
Colocation facilities in India frequently observe certifications like ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and sector-specific standards, enabling GCCs to navigate data protection laws, especially in BFSI and healthcare.
4. Robust Reliability & Tiered Uptime
With access to facilities rated Tier-III and Tier-IV, colocation ensures redundant power, advanced cooling and robust uptime—crucial for mission-critical digital operations.
5. Cost Optimization & Focus Shift
By outsourcing infrastructure management, GCCs reduce capital expenses and unlock bandwidth to invest in innovation, workforce development and high-value transformation initiatives.
6. Sustainable Energy Alignment
India’s data centre sector is rapidly embracing green energy. For example, Google's $6 billion project in Andhra Pradesh includes $2 billion earmarked for renewable energy capacity. Partnerships such as Adani’s hybrid solar-wind setup aim to green Google’s cloud operations by 2030.
GCC Expansion Across India
- While major metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune currently host the bulk of GCCs, Tier-II cities such as Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Kochi and Coimbatore are emerging as new hotspots, supported by improved infrastructure and cost advantages.
- Bengaluru alone accounts for over 40% of India’s GCC workforce, fueled by its robust talent pool and innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Summary: Why Colocation Is a Catalyst for GCCs
Key Need of GCCs | How Colocation Addresses It |
Rapid infrastructure scaling | Flexible resource allocation as business grows |
Hybrid cloud integration | Low-latency, secure interconnects |
Compliance & data security | Certified facilities; sector-specific controls |
High availability & uptime | Tier-rated redundancy, power, cooling |
Operational cost efficiency | Shared infrastructure, OPEX over CAPEX |
Sustainability & ESG alignment | Renewable energy-powered infrastructure |
Multi-city expansion capability | Concentrated facilities in metros and beyond |
Conclusion
India’s GCC ecosystem is on a transformative trajectory—from 1.9 million jobs and ~$65 billion revenue today to 2.5+ million roles and over $100 billion value by 2030. Colocation data centres play an indispensable role in this journey, offering the scalable, secure, compliant and sustainable infrastructure foundation needed for AI, cloud, analytics and innovation-led operations.
