ABI Research has published a competitive assessment of thermal management solution providers for data center operations.
The report evaluates nine companies based on innovation and implementation, examining hardware, software, and associated services either developed in-house or through strategic partnerships.
The companies assessed include Vertiv, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Daikin, Trane, Danfoss, Carrier, STULZ, and Fujitsu.
ABI Research categorized them into three tiers: market leaders, mainstream providers, and followers.
According to ABI Research, Vertiv secured the top position due to its AI-driven data center portfolio, Vertiv360, and its partnerships with Nvidia and Intel.
The company’s global deployments of thermal management hardware and software contributed to its ranking.
Johnson Controls ranked second, performing strongly in implementation criteria.
Its portfolio includes hardware, software, fire safety, security, and building automation.
ABI Research cited its global presence, customer-focused approach, and scaled deployments as key factors in its ranking.
ABI Research evaluated the companies on eleven criteria, divided into innovation and implementation categories.
Innovation factors included hardware and software offerings, solution reliability, interoperability with data center tools, and sustainability initiatives.
Implementation criteria assessed factors such as geographical presence, market share, deployments, operational support, partnerships, case studies, and time to value.
Schneider Electric joined Vertiv and Johnson Controls as an innovation leader with its “Grid to chip, Chip to Chiller” portfolio.
ABI Research highlighted the rise of high-density IT racks and artificial intelligence models as key drivers of advanced cooling solutions.
Liquid cooling technologies are becoming more prevalent, leading HVAC companies to acquire smaller firms specializing in these solutions.
Thermal management providers are also integrating energy, fire safety, security, and IT services to offer comprehensive solutions.
Rithika Thomas, Sustainable Technologies Senior Analyst at ABI Research, said: “To succeed in a competitive marketplace, thermal management solution providers are also catering to related operational & hardware requirements of DC such as energy, fire safety, security, IT servers, Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), remote monitoring and servicing, as the DC industry is large, yet the customer base is limited.”
ABI Research has released a report ranking nine data center thermal management providers based on innovation and implementation criteria.
Vertiv ranked first due to its AI-driven data center portfolio and strategic partnerships, while Johnson Controls ranked second, excelling in implementation.
Schneider Electric was recognized for its innovation in data center cooling.
The evaluation considered factors such as hardware and software offerings, interoperability, sustainability, market share, and operational support.
High-density IT racks and AI-driven workloads are driving the demand for advanced cooling solutions, including liquid cooling.
HVAC companies are acquiring smaller firms specializing in these technologies to expand their capabilities.
The findings are part of ABI Research’s Smart Buildings research service, which provides insights into market trends and competitive positioning.
