NTT DATA has launched a new suite of AI-powered Software Defined Infrastructure (SDI) services tailored for Cisco environments.
This announcement is an important step in NTT DATA’s long-standing partnership with Cisco, as both companies shift from traditional infrastructure support to smarter, business-focused services.
Today’s enterprises are grappling with outdated systems, increasing complexity, and the pressure to scale AI across operations. According to
Dilip Kumar, Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA, “Traditional infrastructure services focus on uptime and SLAs, but that’s no longer enough. Today’s IT leaders need more than operational green lights; they need help with adoption of emerging technologies and new work processes, to improve efficiency, productivity, transformation objectives, and faster response to changing market requirements.”
AI and Automation Meet Business Alignment
NTT DATA’s SDI services are designed not just to manage infrastructure, but to anticipate needs, reduce downtime, and deliver value. They combine real-time operational visibility with AI insights to deliver a personalized, predictive service model. “NTT DATA’s SDI Services is an AI-powered digital infrastructure service that enables you to optimize your infrastructure availability, reduce costs, and empower your business,” said Kumar. “We go beyond traditional infrastructure management by combining real-time digital insights with AI to anticipate client needs, prevent problems, and deliver exceptional value.”
A key differentiator is the Outcome Success Plan (OSP), a shared agreement between NTT DATA and the client that defines goals, KPIs, and accountability measures. “Outcomes-success plans are the bridge connecting SDI Services to client business value,” Kumar explained. “They outline how our services will achieve business results and ensure transparency across the engagement.”
Transforming Cisco Environments
NTT DATA’s positioning goes well beyond operational support. The company offers a full lifecycle portfolio, from advisory, professional, and infrastructure, to adoption services, all geared toward helping organizations modernize Cisco environments. “NTT DATA is positioning itself as a transformation catalyst for AI and growth, helping enterprises modernize their Cisco environments with AI-powered infrastructure services that go far beyond traditional support,” said Kumar.
The approach includes everything from discovery and benchmarking to software-defined model adoption, hybrid data center optimization, and circular IT asset recovery. “Our services are designed to maximize the value of Cisco investments while reducing complexity and cost,” Kumar added.
An MSP-Ready Model for Outcome Delivery
Managed service providers (MSPs) also stand to benefit. NTT DATA is Cisco’s #1 managed services partner globally and offers SDI services that complement existing MSP capabilities. “Our goal is to augment MSP capabilities and provide expertise in areas where they may have limitations, specifically in lifecycle services and outcome-focused planning,” Kumar noted.
“While MSPs focus on technical metrics and keeping systems running, we go beyond that by focusing on business outcomes. Our Outcome Success Plan process helps define and track specific results, ensuring IT investments directly contribute to the bottom line.”
Kumar emphasized the collaborative nature of the partnership: “Think of NTT DATA as specialized consultants who work alongside MSPs. MSPs handle the tactical execution, while we provide the strategic vision, particularly in navigating the complexities of multi-vendor landscapes.”
The AI-powered SDI services were unveiled at Cisco Live Americas 2025 and are now available globally. With a unified digital portal, mobile access, and a roadmap driven by business alignment, NTT DATA’s offering is built for enterprises looking to modernize with purpose. “Whether it’s secure networking, hybrid data centers, cybersecurity, or digital workplace transformation, our SDI services are designed to help enterprises move from reactive IT to strategic enablers of business value,” Kumar concluded.
