As AI-driven activity pushes data center energy consumption and storage demand to unprecedented levels, many owners and operators are taking action to enhance their current and future capabilities. AI-ready data center capacity is projected to increase by an average of 33% annually between now and 2030.1
With a rapidly changing environment, data center operators need a solution provider that offers expertise and innovative strategies at every step — from project planning to asset management. In short, they need more than just a provider — they need a dedicated partner. Honeywell experts compiled a list of eight important questions data center owners and operators should ask when choosing your next partner.
Questions to ask prospective data center solution providers
1. What other projects have you completed that are like mine?
One of the best indicators that a data center solution provider is qualified to deliver against the needs of your hyperscale or colocation project is their success and experience with similar projects. Ask for detailed case studies and explain how they are applicable to your upcoming project.
Expert insight: Hearing how a provider has handled challenges in the past can tell you a lot. Consider asking them what went right, what went wrong and how they improved.
2. What percentage of your projects are completed on time and on budget?
Consistent on-time, on-budget delivery for individual projects is a good sign when evaluating a provider and can give you a sense of their overall track record.
Expert insight: If a provider can’t or won’t share this information, there’s probably a reason.
3. Have you conducted global deployments?
Global experience is vital to keeping large-scale projects on track. It’s also a sign of agility. A blueprinted strategy can help operations scale capacity across many locations. It’s also important for providers to have a global footprint aligned with your own so they can help navigate disparate regulatory and security standards of new markets.
Expert insight: A blueprinted approach only works if it’s built with local realities in mind. Make sure a standardized strategy can flex to meet regional standards.
4. How long have your products been on the market?
Leading-edge technology should be present in your data center, but you don’t want to be someone’s test case. Request an auditable, two-year shipment history to find a balance between innovation and risk mitigation.
Expert insight: Beware of shiny new tech that hasn’t been vetted in real-world environments.
5. How do you support your solutions for the long term?
Technology is constantly transforming. Data center operators require solutions that work now and are prepared for what’s to come. Look for a provider with products that are deeply rooted in data centers and have established expertise over many years.
Expert insight: If a company has a habit of selling off its software, you may be left in the lurch when it comes to upgrades, maintenance and support.
6. What does your support contracting process look like?
Changes or unexpected needs may arise during a data center build. Honeywell develops service contracts separately and closer to the end of the project to keep them relevant to any project scope changes. If a solution provider develops contracts before their projects are fully deployed, you could end up needing costly services that aren’t covered.
Expert insight: Separating the service contract from build and deployment can serve as a check and balance that could help protect your business.
7. What are my options for data center monitoring and operational efficiency?
A flexible provider should offer you options, whether it’s a turnkey solution with software you can independently monitor or a full-service network operations center that’s set up for you.
Expert Insight: You shouldn’t have to dig for answers. Your provider should offer tools that help make performance monitoring easy.
8. Can you provide a single point of accountability across the solutions you deliver?
Large-scale data center customers often benefit from having one dedicated partner to provide an integrated suite of solutions, a single point of accountability (SPA) and a full lifecycle services contract. This approach can simplify communication, optimize productivity and cost savings as well as accelerate deployment, increase intelligence and reduce risk.
Expert Insight: Clear ownership and accountability often make it easier to track progress and resolve issues.
By digging into the key aspects of data center deployments and support systems, operators can make informed decisions and stay ahead in a highly competitive landscape. Pressure-testing solution providers by asking the right questions will help you understand if they are equipped to fulfill your needs and help you maintain critical standards for uptime, resilience and energy efficiency.
To learn more about how to select a solution provider, please read our full eBook, Selecting a Data Center Lifecycle Solution Provider.
SOURCES
1. McKinsey & Company, “AI power: Expanding data center capacity to meet growing demand,” October 29, 2024. [Accessed April 28, 2025]
