NTT DATA buys WinWire to boost Microsoft AI cloud push
Mon, 18th May 2026 (Today)
NTT DATA has agreed to acquire WinWire, adding a Microsoft-focused AI and cloud specialist to its business.
Once the deal closes, more than 1,000 Azure engineers and AI specialists will join NTT DATA's Global Microsoft Business Unit. Together, they hold more than 770 Azure certifications, 277 Data & Fabric certifications and more than 50 Databricks certifications, according to the companies.
Based in Santa Clara, with delivery centres in India, WinWire works on agentic AI, AI on Azure, data engineering and cloud-native development. It is a six-time Microsoft Partner of the Year winner and finalist, and serves clients in healthcare, life sciences, software and digital platforms.
NTT DATA is using the acquisition to deepen its Microsoft-related AI capabilities as large companies seek to move projects from pilot stages to wider deployment. Adding WinWire's engineering team and sector expertise is expected to strengthen its position in North America and extend the reach of its Microsoft business globally.
Microsoft focus
The deal builds on NTT DATA's existing relationship with Microsoft. Its Microsoft Business Unit operates in more than 50 countries and is backed by more than 24,000 Microsoft certifications.
WinWire is also part of the Microsoft Agentic Partner Alliance Program, giving the combined group another tie to Microsoft's partner ecosystem. NTT DATA was recently recognised by Microsoft as its Global System Integrator Growth Champion Partner of the Year.
The acquisition is centred on technology and services linked to Azure and enterprise AI deployments. WinWire's offerings include its Agentic AI @ Scale framework, designed to embed autonomous software systems into business workflows, alongside data engineering and modern application development.
That expands NTT DATA's portfolio across infrastructure, applications, data, AI and managed services. Client demand is shifting from AI experimentation to larger operational rollouts that require closer integration between cloud platforms, data systems and sector-specific applications.
Market growth
The backdrop is a fast-growing global AI market. Citing industry estimates, NTT DATA said the sector could grow from about USD $390 billion to nearly USD $3.5 trillion over the next decade as companies increase spending on systems deployed across business operations.
That growth has intensified competition among IT services and consulting firms to add specialist talent and partnerships around major cloud providers. In this case, NTT DATA is buying a business focused narrowly on Microsoft technologies at a time when customers are seeking help to put Azure-based AI tools, data platforms and cloud-native software into production.
Abhijit Dubey, Chief Executive Officer and Chief AI Officer at NTT DATA, said the purchase forms part of the company's broader AI strategy.
"The acquisition of WinWire is a decisive step in advancing our enterprise AI strategy and expanding our leadership in Microsoft Azure and AI-powered cloud transformation," said Abhijit Dubey, CEO and Chief AI Officer, NTT DATA, Inc. "By combining WinWire's deep expertise in cloud-native development and agentic AI with NTT DATA's global scale, this positions us to lead the shift to enterprise AI, enabling clients to move from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment and achieve meaningful business outcomes."
Integration plans
WinWire's leadership presented the deal as a path to a broader international customer base. The company has built its business around Microsoft Azure and AI projects for enterprise clients, particularly in regulated and software-led sectors.
"As a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner recognized through multiple awards over the years, we built WinWire with a clear focus on delivering meaningful Microsoft Azure and AI-led transformation for our enterprise clients," said Ashu Goel, CEO, WinWire. "Joining NTT DATA marks an exciting new chapter, allowing us to extend our capabilities to a much broader global client base. Together, we are well positioned to accelerate innovation and shape the next wave of AI-driven transformation for our clients."
Microsoft also commented on the transaction, highlighting the importance of specialist partners as businesses seek to get more value from AI products running on Azure.
"As enterprises look to unlock the full value of AI on Microsoft Azure, the role of skilled partners has never been more critical," said Stephen Boyle, CVP, Enterprise Partner Solutions Microsoft. "By combining NTT DATA's global scale with WinWire's expertise in cloud-native development and agentic AI, this acquisition enhances our joint ability to co-innovate and deliver transformative solutions."
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.