518 - Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
In today’s digitally-driven economy, businesses rely heavily on robust computing infrastructure and data management solutions. NAICS code 518 plays a pivotal role by categorizing establishments that provide essential infrastructure and services such as web hosting, data processing, and cloud computing. Whether you're a business owner aiming to understand federal contracting opportunities or an IT professional exploring industry classifications, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about NAICS 518.
What is NAICS Code 518?
NAICS code 518 refers to Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services. This classification includes companies and establishments primarily engaged in providing the infrastructure necessary for hosting and data processing services. The activities under this industry support the backbone of modern IT operations by ensuring seamless web hosting, data storage, application hosting, and other related computing services.
Sector: Information
NAICS 518 falls under the broader Information sector, which covers a wide array of data-driven and communication-related industries. Within this sector, NAICS 518 specifically targets establishments that offer infrastructure services critical to digital operations and data management.
Typical Business Activities & Examples
The types of businesses that operate under NAICS code 518 generally include:
- Data Centers: Facilities that house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.
- Web Hosting Services: Providers that make websites accessible on the internet by hosting website files on servers.
- Cloud Computing Infrastructure Providers: Companies that offer on-demand computing resources such as servers, storage, and networking over the internet.
Other related services may include application hosting, data analytics infrastructure, and managed data processing operations.
Size Standards for NAICS 518
Small business eligibility for government contracting under NAICS code 518 is defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). As of the latest standards:
- Employee-based size standard: Businesses in this industry are typically considered small if they have 1,500 or fewer employees.
This size standard is crucial for businesses seeking government contracts or certifications like the 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) programs.
NAICS 518 Code Details Table
| NAICS Code | Title | Sector | Description | Size Standard | Typical Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 518 | Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services | Information | Establishments primarily providing infrastructure for hosting/data processing (web hosting, app hosting, data storage, related services) | 1,500 employees or fewer | Data centers, Web hosting services, Cloud infrastructure providers |
FAQ: NAICS Code 518
Q1: What types of services are included under NAICS 518?
A1: This NAICS code includes web hosting, application hosting, data processing, cloud computing infrastructure, data storage, and related computing support services.
Q2: How do I know if my business qualifies under NAICS 518?
A2: If your company primarily provides infrastructure services to support computing, such as data center operations or cloud hosting, it likely fits under NAICS 518.
Q3: What is the size standard for a small business in NAICS 518?
A3: The SBA defines a small business in this industry as one having up to 1,500 employees.
Q4: Is NAICS 518 relevant for government contracting?
A4: Absolutely. Many government agencies require IT infrastructure services, so understanding if your business falls within NAICS 518 can help target contracting opportunities.
Q5: Are cloud service providers included in this NAICS code?
A5: Yes, cloud computing infrastructure providers who supply on-demand computing resources are part of NAICS 518.
Conclusion
NAICS code 518 is at the heart of the digital infrastructure ecosystem. From web hosting companies to sprawling data centers and cloud service providers, this classification captures the essential services powering modern business technology. Whether you're navigating the federal contracting landscape or evaluating industry classifications for business strategy, understanding NAICS 518 and its scope is an important step toward positioning your company for success.
If your business operates within computing infrastructure, data processing, or web hosting, familiarizing yourself with NAICS 518–and its eligibility criteria—will open doors to potential partnerships and government contracts in the dynamic information sector.
Optimize your business with the right NAICS code and seize opportunities in the booming digital infrastructure market!
