NTT Data expands Google Cloud partnership, aims APAC cloud biz to grow 10-fold by 2027

Information technology (IT) services company NTT DATA, announced on Monday the enhancement of its partnership, with Google Cloud, with a renewed focus on the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including the Indian market.

This initiative aims to expedite the adoption of cloud-based data analytics and generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for enterprises across the region to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency and agility, and advance their business objectives, the Japanese company said.

Currently, NTT DATA employs 2,600 Google-certified engineers across 50 countries and aims to certify at least 1,000 additional professionals in the APAC region.

John Lombard, Chief Executive Officer, NTT DATA, APAC believes, the firm’s partner ecosystem is a cornerstone of its growth strategy, and this collaboration with Google Cloud is expected to grow its cloud business in APAC by 10 times in three years.

In a statement, NTT DATA indicated that the collaboration will leverage its technological and industry expertise, along with its extensive client base of large enterprises, in conjunction with Google Cloud’s capabilities in data analytics, AI, and cloud services.

That said, leveraging NTT DATA’s industry blueprints, best practices, and cloud solutions on Google Cloud, the partnership will provide tailored solutions and implementation expertise to sectors including healthcare, life sciences, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, retail, and the public sector.

The expanded partnership also establishes a dedicated NTT DATA Google Cloud Business Unit, which will focus on developing joint solutions centred on data analytics and generative AI, as well as enhancing support for applications, modern infrastructure, cybersecurity, and SAP on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This partnership will enhance NTT DATA’s internal expertise in Google Cloud technologies through advanced training and certification programs.

NTT DATA plans to recruit and upskill sales, pre-sales, and delivery professionals in Google Cloud, enabling them to proficiently sell, build, secure, migrate, and deliver joint solutions that benefit customers.

Karan Bajwa, Vice President, Google Cloud, APAC, commented that customer confidence is paramount to deliver on their digital transformation aspirations, and NTT DATA’s comprehensive portfolio, coupled with a deep understanding of evolving customer needs across Asia Pacific, perfectly complements Google Cloud’s AI leadership and innovative solutions.

“By combining NTT DATA’s unique full-stack transformation portfolio with Google Cloud’s next-generation technologies, we are poised to accelerate our client’s digital modernization priorities, particularly in areas like cloud, GenAI and cybersecurity,” Charlie Li, Senior Executive Vice President, Global Head of Cloud and Security Services, NTT DATA, added.

As generative AI relies heavily on high-quality data for training and insights, NTT DATA said robust data analytics capabilities are essential for successful deployments.

NTT DATA recently launched its new 'Accelerated AI Platform' in India. This solution aims to empower businesses with advanced AI capabilities, simplifying the adoption process and eliminating the complexities often associated with traditional AI implementations.

In June this year, NTT Data named Abhijit Dubey as the chief executive officer for its operations outside of Japan. Dubey, who held the position of CEO at NTT Ltd, takes over from Kazuhiro Nishihata, while Yo Honma will maintain his role as president and CEO, as well as representative director of NTT DATA Group Corporation.

The same month, the company announced the completion of the merger between NTT DATA and NTT Ltd., which resulted in a business valued at over $30 billion operatingunder the NTT DATA brand.