HCLTech inks generative AI partnerships with Microsoft and Google
Generative AI technologies show no signs of going away, with HCLTech the latest large professional services group to announce landmark partnership agreements – with both Google and Microsoft in the space of two days.
Global IT consultancy HCLTech has signed on for two new AI-focused partnerships, with tech giants Google and Microsoft. The first will see almost 20,000 HCL employees trained in implementing Google Cloud’s generative AI models and capabilities, while the firm will also develop a comprehensive skills building program with Microsoft to provide certification for 10,000 HCL engineers and architects in advanced AI technologies.
Both deals will also see HCLTech – which rebranded from HCL Technologies last year – establish a Generative AI Centre of Excellence to develop innovative, industry-specific tools for clients using the Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service platforms.
Microsoft Azure
“By leveraging the latest Microsoft innovations in AI and machine learning, businesses can gain valuable insights into their operations and improve decision-making,” said Kalyan Kumar, CTO and head of ecosystems at HCLTech. “Whether enhancing customer experience, streamlining supply-chain operations or optimising processes, this powerful collaboration provides the tools and expertise companies need to succeed in this fast-paced digital landscape.”
In addition, HCLTech will adopt Microsoft 365 and Viva Copilot capabilities to accelerate its own digital transformation through enhanced business processes and employee productivity, in what is an extension of the existing relationship between the two companies.
Meanwhile, in Australia, HCLTech also last year signed a partnership with Sydney Quantum Academy in an effort to further the development of the country’s quantum tech economy.
Google Cloud
The fresh agreement with Google Cloud is also an expansion of their previous strategic partnership, with HCLTech already using the company’s large language models (LLMs) to develop generative AI capabilities across its industries, enterprise functions, and innovation and tech modernisation domains. HCLTech will now use Google Cloud's other generative AI tools, including Vertex AI, Generative AI Studio, Model Garden, and Generative AI App Builder.
Similar to its Microsoft deal, HCLTech will also be adopting Google Workspace, Duet AI for Google Workspace and Developers for its own digital transformation, along with deploying Vertex AI to improve customer success and support for clients. On top of that, HCLTech will rapidly train more than 18,000 of its 225,000 employees on the Google Cloud generative AI technologies to support clients in maximising value from their business data.
“Generative AI has the potential to revolutionise a wide variety of business processes and even transform entire industries,” said Google Cloud corporate vice president Kevin Ichhpurani, head of global ecosystems and business development. “These new investments and resources from HCLTech will help enterprises more quickly implement, scale and capture value from generative AI and help them transform their businesses in bold and responsible ways.”
