Industry News

NTT DATA, a global leader in IT and digital business services, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Google Cloud in an attempt to boost the adoption of generative AI solutions and cloud-based data analytics in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Combining Google Cloud’s AI resources, cloud services, and data analytics capabilities with NTT DATA’s knowledge of large enterprises, the partnership is designed to help businesses innovate and improve operations. The collaboration aims to provide customised cloud-based solutions that use AI designed specially for different industries..

According to Chief Executive Officer of NTT DATA, APAC, John Lombard, the expanded partnership is not “just about adopting new technologies; it’s about reimagining what’s possible for businesses in the AI age.” Lombard went on to say that NTT DATA’s “partner ecosystem” and collaboration with Google Cloud is “expected to grow [the] cloud business in APAC by 10x+ in 3 years.”

Gartner forecasts that global end-user spending on public cloud services will reach USD $679 billion in 2024 and exceed USD $1 trillion by 2027. This, of course, is driven in part by the rise of generative AI.

Karan Bajwa, Vice President of Google Cloud, APAC, emphasised Google Cloud’s commitment to improving customer confidence in digital transformation. “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.”

A dedicated NTT DATA Google Cloud Business Unit has been established that will be working closely on the development of collaborative solutions, focusing on areas like generative AI and data analytics. It will also offer support for cybersecurity, applications, modern infrastructure, and SAP services on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), with a goal of ensuring businesses have reliable support and assistance.

Senior Executive Vice President, and Global Head of Cloud and Security Services at NTT DATA, Charlie Li, highlighted the importance of the collaboration. “Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud is a significant step forward in delivering innovative solutions that address the industry-specific challenges our customers are facing.”

For instance, a major retailer using NTT DATA’s technologies and Google’s data analytics achieved a 22% increase in digital inquiries, and an 85% rise in occupancy, according to a press release from the two companies.

Li believes NTT DATA and Google Cloud are “poised to accelerate [their] client’s digital modernisation priorities, particularly in areas like cloud, GenAI, and cybersecurity.” Li stateed that this can be achieved by merging NTT DATA’s comprehensive transformation portfolio with Google Cloud’s technologies.

NTT DATA’s internal expertise in Google Cloud technologies will also benefit from the expanded partnership through advanced certification and training programs. NTT DATA’s goal is to certify a minimum of 1,000 more professionals in the APAC region, upskilling engineers and hiring sales, pre-sales, and delivery professionals that specialise in Google Cloud solutions.