To prevent downtime in data centers, technology like early smoke detection systems, energy storage solutions, predictive maintenance and redundant infrastructure for power and cooling should be considered. Forty percent of organizations have experienced a significant, serious or severe IT service outage that was caused by human error over the past three years, highlighting the need to automate standardized procedures and workflows as well as to use integrated monitoring to help maintain uptime.

Uptime Institute, “Executive Summary, Annual outage analysis 2025,” May 2025. [Accessed May 6, 2025]

To choose the right data center solutions for your business, start with identifying and evaluating data center providers. It’s important to look beyond just buying point-solution and work with a partner that can support a full project lifecycle, from design and integration to ongoing service. Look for a partner with experience in integrating systems to help improve reliability and reduce complexity, as well as a track record of delivering projects on time and on budget. Ask providers for case studies, on-time delivery rates and details about how systems are monitored and supported over time.

Lifecycle design can help data centers optimize energy use and environmental impact by addressing efficiency at every stage, from site selection and thermal management to automation solutions and waste heat reuse. A data center with a well-planned lifecycle approach may be able to lower carbon footprint by up to 69% using commercially available technologies, compared to traditional designs that focus only on minimizing power usage efficiency (PUE).3 Improving energy efficiency doesn’t just lower carbon footprint – it also helps reduce operating costs and prevent downtime by keeping systems running more reliably.

Honeywell, “Design for More Efficient Data Centers,” March 2025. [Accessed January 21, 2026]

A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is typically designed for high-performance, mission-critical systems like power infrastructure and chiller plant management in data centers. It offers fast response times and built-in redundancy. A DDC (Direct Digital Controller) is well suited for non-critical HVAC systems, such as office or lobby spaces, and typically includes pre-built templates for ease of setup. Many data centers benefit from a hybrid controller approach, basing selection on the specific performance and reliability needs of each use application.

Advanced smoke detection is critical in data centers because high airflow systems can dilute smoke, making early signs of fire harder to detect. Without fast and accurate detection, even small incidents can escalate quickly, leading to equipment damage, data loss and costly downtime. Early warning systems, like lithium-ion battery off-gas sensors, aspirating smoke detection and smart alarm panels, can provide more lead time to respond, helping protect sensitive infrastructure and maintain uptime.