NTT DATA Launches New Unit to Help Businesses Adopt Microsoft’s Secure, AI-Powered Cloud

On August 7, 2025, NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, announced the launch of its dedicated Global Business Unit for Microsoft Cloud, a strategic move to meet the surging demand for secure, AI-driven enterprise cloud transformation. This new unit, backed by NTT DATA’s extensive expertise and a long-standing partnership with Microsoft, aims to accelerate cloud modernization, scale agentic AI, and navigate complex compliance requirements across industries. This blog explores the significance of the new unit, its key focus areas, and its potential to reshape enterprise digital transformation in the AI era, with a particular emphasis on healthcare applications.

The Rise of AI-Driven Cloud Transformation

The global AI market is projected to grow at a 32.1% CAGR through 2030, driven by enterprises seeking to integrate AI into their operations. However, challenges like data security, regulatory compliance, and legacy system integration have slowed adoption, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare. NTT DATA’s new unit addresses these hurdles by leveraging Microsoft’s secure, AI-powered cloud platforms—Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365—to deliver scalable, compliant solutions. With nearly 100 enterprise client opportunities generated in just 90 days for its Agentic AI Services, NTT DATA is poised to lead this transformation.

Structure and Expertise of the New Unit

Led by Aishwarya Singh, Senior Vice President and Head of the Global Business Unit for Microsoft Cloud, the unit operates across over 50 countries and is supported by 24,000 Microsoft-certified specialists holding 27 Advanced Specializations, including Security, Data & AI for Azure, and AI Business Solutions. By aligning sales, pre-sales, and delivery teams with Microsoft’s engineering roadmap, the unit ensures seamless integration of cloud-native development, cybersecurity, observability, and AI technologies. This global reach and deep expertise position NTT DATA as a trusted partner for enterprises navigating the complexities of AI-driven cloud adoption.

Key Focus Areas

The Global Business Unit for Microsoft Cloud targets five core areas to drive measurable business impact:

1. Agentic AI at Scale

The unit leverages Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure AI Foundry to deploy AI agents capable of real-time voice communication and intelligent workflow orchestration. These solutions enhance efficiency while prioritizing ethical AI practices, critical for healthcare applications like patient triage chatbots or automated medical record analysis. For example, Newell Brands is among nearly 100 clients exploring these services, demonstrating rapid market traction.

2. Modern Cloud Solutions

By building and updating applications on Microsoft Azure, the unit helps businesses reduce complexity and boost agility. In healthcare, this translates to modernizing electronic health record (EHR) systems and telehealth platforms, enabling seamless data integration and scalability.

3. Developer Acceleration

NTT DATA’s Industry Cloud platform offers a microservices library with over 500 industry-specific accelerators, empowering Azure developers to create cloud-native solutions faster. This is particularly valuable for healthcare, where rapid development of secure, compliant applications is essential for digital transformation.

4. Enhanced Digital Experience

The unit enhances workplace collaboration through Microsoft 365 and transforms customer engagement with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Contact Center solutions. In healthcare, this supports connected care models, such as virtual consultations and patient engagement platforms, improving access and satisfaction.

5. Sovereign Cloud Adoption

As one of the few Microsoft partners specializing in Sovereign Cloud under the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, NTT DATA ensures compliance with data residency and regulatory requirements, critical for healthcare organizations navigating HIPAA and GDPR.

Impact on Healthcare

Healthcare organizations, particularly rural hospitals facing resource constraints, stand to benefit significantly from NTT DATA’s new unit. The 2025 Budget Bill’s $1.2 trillion cuts to Medicaid and Medicare have intensified financial pressures, making cost-effective, secure cloud solutions critical. The unit’s focus on agentic AI can streamline administrative tasks, such as billing and patient scheduling, reducing costs by up to 40%, as seen in similar Azure-based deployments. Additionally, its cybersecurity expertise addresses the 27% rise in ransomware attacks from 2023 to 2024, ensuring robust protection for sensitive patient data. For example, integrating Azure AI with next-generation firewalls can enhance threat detection, aligning with Microsoft’s Cybersecurity for Rural Hospitals Program outcomes.

Real-World Momentum

Since launching its Agentic AI Services on Azure AI Foundry, NTT DATA has generated nearly 100 enterprise opportunities in 90 days, including partnerships with clients like Newell Brands. In healthcare, early adopters are leveraging Azure AI to automate clinical workflows, with one hospital reporting a 20% reduction in administrative overhead in 2025 trials. The unit’s alignment with Microsoft’s roadmap ensures access to cutting-edge tools like tsuzumi, a bilingual language model launched on Azure in Japan, enhancing multilingual patient communication.

Challenges and Considerations

While promising, the adoption of NTT DATA’s Microsoft Cloud solutions faces challenges:

• Cost Barriers: Premium AI and cloud services may strain budgets for smaller healthcare providers, despite free-tier options.
• Integration Complexity: Legacy systems in rural hospitals require careful migration planning to avoid disruptions.
• Skill Gaps: Limited IT expertise in rural settings necessitates user training, aligning with Microsoft’s 2024 program that trained 1,000 hospital staff.

To address these, NTT DATA offers tailored support, including free assessments and training, building on Microsoft’s rural healthcare initiatives.

The Future of AI-Driven Cloud Transformation

By 2030, the global cloud computing market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion, with AI-driven solutions at its core. NTT DATA’s unit is well-positioned to lead, leveraging its 40 years of AI R&D and 24,000 Microsoft certifications. Its focus on sovereign cloud adoption ensures compliance in regulated sectors like healthcare, while its GenAI TechHub platform, showcased at Microsoft Ignite 2024, accelerates deployment with prequalified prototypes, reducing time-to-market by 40%. As Stephen Boyle, Microsoft’s Global Leader for SI & Advisory, noted, “This expanded collaboration enables enterprises to integrate AI seamlessly, modernize operations, and achieve digital transformation with confidence.”

Conclusion

NTT DATA’s Global Business Unit for Microsoft Cloud is a game-changer for enterprises, particularly in healthcare, where secure, AI-driven cloud solutions are critical for efficiency and compliance. By combining deep expertise, a robust certification portfolio, and alignment with Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies, the unit empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. For healthcare leaders, partnering with NTT DATA offers a path to modernize operations, enhance patient care, and strengthen cybersecurity in an era of escalating threats and financial constraints. As the AI and cloud markets converge, NTT DATA’s strategic move positions it as a trusted leader in shaping the future of intelligent, secure enterprise solutions.