Cognizant has announced an agreement to acquire 3Cloud, an independent provider of Microsoft Azure services. This acquisition aims to solidify Cognizant's standing in enterprise AI readiness and digital transformation by integrating 3Cloud's advanced competencies in data and AI, app innovation, and cloud platforms.
Serving an enterprise clientele in finance, healthcare, technology, and consumer sectors, 3Cloud is set for continued growth. Since 2020, the company has witnessed a 20% organic compound growth annually, with expectations to maintain this pace due to rising demand for Azure-driven transformations. These figures are echoed in Microsoft's reported 40% year-on-year cloud services growth in Q3 2025.
Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant, highlighted the acquisition as pivotal to Cognizant's strategy in propelling its clients into an AI future. Cognizant seeks to leverage 3Cloud's deep roots in Azure and its enduring Microsoft collaboration to offer enhanced value to their clients' AI journeys.
The collaboration aims to empower enterprises to swiftly construct, deploy, and expand AI solutions. By aligning 3Cloud's expertise with Cognizant's technological frameworks, their clients are set to benefit from a comprehensive ecosystem, accelerating AI-driven innovations. Upon completion of the acquisition, more than 1,000 Azure specialists and over 1,500 Microsoft certifications are expected to join Cognizant’s team.
The acquisition has not only excited Cognizant leadership but also garnered enthusiasm from Microsoft. Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft's Commercial Business, noted the potential for mutual customers to harness this strategic partnership in utilising Azure and AI for comprehensive business transformations.
3Cloud, established by former Microsoft executives, has been recognised through multiple Microsoft Partner of the Year awards. The company consistently earns accolades such as the 2025 U.S. Channel Partner of the Year and the 2024 Americas Partner of the Year for Data and AI. Cognizant, for its part, has similarly been awarded in the Microsoft accolades sphere.
After the merger, the company is expected to contribute to Azure Consumption Revenue at a global scale.
The transaction is anticipated to complete in early 2026 pending regulatory approvals.
