ServiceNow boosts AI capabilities in telecom with Prodapt investment

American IT software and services firm ServiceNow announced an investment in Chennai-headquartered IT services and consulting provider, Prodapt Solutions, on Thursday to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in the telecommunications sector — a sector in which Prodapt primarily operates.

This move marks ServiceNow's first venture into the telecom industry through its Ecosystem Ventures program, to drive business transformation by leveraging AI-enabled solutions on the Now Platform, the company said in a press release.

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Prodapt Solutions, a part of the Jhaver Group, currently employs 6,000 individuals globally, with 4,500 based in India. The company collaborates with major telecom, media, and internet giants worldwide, such as Google, Amazon, Verizon, Vodafone, Virgin Media, British Telecom, Deutsche Telekom and Samsung.

David Parsons, senior vice president of Ecosystem Ventures at ServiceNow, mentioned the partnership's potential to expedite business transformation for clients. The investment will facilitate the development of AI solutions specifically tailored for the telecom and technology sectors, enhance go-to-market strategies, and increase the number of certified ServiceNow professionals, he noted.

Focusing on the US and European markets, the initiative aims to promote the adoption of AI solutions for clients through a newly established ServiceNow AI Center of Excellence.

Manish Vyas, Executive Director & Board Member of Prodapt, said that the companies will collaborate to create and deliver innovative AI-driven customer experiences and operational efficiencies.

The partnership also aligns with ServiceNow's RiseUp objectives, which aim to strengthen partner capabilities for delivering customer value more efficiently. Prodapt aims to increase its number of certified ServiceNow professionals to over 1,500 full-time employees globally within four years. The company plans to integrate RiseUp with ServiceNow's curriculum into its Prodapt University program to establish a leading training and deployment initiative for technical hires.

CEO Harsha Kumar mentioned at a press conference in Chennai in May that the company, growing at a 30% CAGR, aims to achieve revenues of $1 billion in the next 5-6 years and plans to go public in 2-3 years. Additionally, the company intends to expand its employee base to over 10,000 in the coming years.

Meanwhile, ServiceNow has been strengthening its AI capabilities since last year. In March 2021, it ventured into the robotic process automation (RPA) sector by acquiring Intellibot, a Hyderabad-based RPA startup. The acquisition enhanced the company's Now Platform with AI and ML capabilities and also solidified its presence in the Indian market.