Cognizant Acquires 3Cloud to Enhance Microsoft Azure and AI Transformation Services for Businesses

Cognizant's Strategic Acquisition of 3Cloud: A New Era for GPU Services

In a landmark move, Cognizant, a global leader in technology solutions, has finalized a definitive agreement to acquire 3Cloud, one of the largest independent providers of Microsoft Azure services and a pioneer in AI enablement solutions tailored for Azure. This acquisition is poised to significantly enhance Cognizant's strategy by fortifying its AI development capabilities, enabling clients to rapidly create, deploy, and adapt comprehensive AI solutions on a modern, operations-driven infrastructure.

3Cloud's expertise in data, AI, and application innovations will be combined with Cognizant's extensive technological frameworks and industry expertise to create one of the largest Microsoft partners globally. With more than 21,000 certified Azure specialists and numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of American Partner of the Year awarded by Microsoft, this merger aims to position Cognizant as one of the most capable and qualified partners in Azure's ecosystem.

The acquisition will deepen Cognizant’s Azure portfolio while enhancing its proficiency in complex, technology-intensive projects that drive operational transformation through AI. 3Cloud has demonstrated impressive organic growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 20% since 2020, and anticipates sustaining this momentum with a similar growth rate projected for 2025 due to increasing demand for operational transformation driven by Microsoft Azure’s capabilities. Notably, Microsoft reported a 40% year-over-year growth for Azure and other cloud services during the third quarter of 2025 (MSFT Q1 FY26).

Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “This acquisition marks a pivotal step in empowering our clients to navigate the future of enterprise AI. 3Cloud's in-depth Azure expertise and its industry-centric approach align perfectly with our vision to offer enhanced value to our clients, allowing them to accelerate their transitions to AI.” He reiterated the shared mission to redefine innovation and impact within the Azure ecosystem.

Cognizant's approach to enterprise AI focuses on enabling businesses to expedite the creation, deployment, and adaptation of AI solutions. By incorporating 3Cloud’s deep knowledge of Azure and its associated capabilities into Cognizant’s established technologies and frameworks, clients will gain access to a comprehensive ecosystem that stimulates significant AI innovation.

Upon completion of the acquisition, 3Cloud will add over 1,000 Azure experts and engineers, along with more than 1,500 Microsoft certifications to Cognizant's existing capabilities. The approximately 1,200 employees from 3Cloud, including around 700 based in the United States, will join with Cognizant’s nearly 20,000 Azure-certified personnel worldwide.

Mike Rocco, CEO of 3Cloud, stated, “Joining Cognizant will unlock new opportunities for our clients and employees. Our shared vision of preparing businesses for AI, combined with our strengths in cloud technologies, application innovation, and data management, will empower our clients to maximize the full potential of Azure on a global scale.” He expressed eagerness to collaborate in shaping the future of intelligent business.

Judson Althoff, Microsoft’s Commercial Business CEO, remarked on Azure being the go-to platform for AI transformation and noted that Cognizant's acquisition of 3Cloud will yield one of the most qualified partners in the Azure ecosystem. This synergistic partnership promises to facilitate innovation on a large scale, leveraging the power of Azure and AI for mutual clients.

Founded by former Microsoft executives, 3Cloud boasts decades of experience and a proven technical expertise. The company has garnered multiple accolades including prestigious titles in categories like data and AI. The combination of Cognizant and 3Cloud will create a formidable entity in the Microsoft ecosystem in terms of revenue derived from Azure consumption.

3Cloud's service offerings and delivery model are specifically optimized to enhance the value of Microsoft’s Azure framework through a globally distributed delivery team, certified in Azure. Their experience spans areas like modern data platforms, development of cloud-native AI applications, advanced analytics, and managed services. Notably, 3Cloud is also an Elite Databricks partner, celebrated for its substantial expertise in data and AI-driven programs.

The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Overall, Cognizant and 3Cloud are set to elevate their clients' capabilities, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic business landscape.

For more information about Cognizant and its innovative offerings, visit Cognizant’s official website.

For details about 3Cloud, including its strategic Azure services, learn more at 3Cloud’s website.