NTT DATA and Cisco have collaborated to release a new IDC InfoBrief, Wired for Intelligence: A CIO Guide to Enterprise Networking for AI, announced on August 28, 2025. This study provides strategic guidance for organizations to modernize network infrastructure, enabling AI-driven transformation across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services.
As AI adoption grows, organizations face increasing demand for high-speed, low-latency, and secure networks to support complex AI workloads. The IDC InfoBrief highlights that over 78% of companies view networking capabilities as critical when selecting providers for generative AI infrastructure. “Your network will make or break your AI transformation,” said Chris Barnard, Vice President, European Telecoms and Infrastructure, IDC. Legacy systems are insufficient, prompting NTT DATA and Cisco to guide clients toward intelligent, adaptive networks.
The partnership focuses on transforming outdated architectures into scalable, AI-ready infrastructure. “Network modernization is about more than replacing old hardware—it’s about allowing enterprises to lead in an AI-driven world,” said Brink Sanders, Senior Vice President of Global Networking Sales, Cisco. AI integration in network operations enables configuration automation, anomaly detection, self-healing, and intelligent monitoring, improving efficiency and user experience across industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
NTT DATA’s intelligent services support the full network modernization lifecycle. “As two market leaders, NTT DATA and Cisco are well positioned to help clients modernize their digital infrastructure foundations for the AI era,” said Dilip Kumar, Global Head, Technology Solutions, NTT DATA, Inc. These services include strategic advisory, technology sourcing, professional services for scalable network deployment, software-defined infrastructure, adoption services, and managed network services to ensure seamless data flow from edge to cloud.
The collaboration equips organizations to overcome legacy networking challenges, turning networks into a business advantage. By integrating AI into network operations and providing end-to-end services, NTT DATA and Cisco enable enterprises to achieve secure connectivity, reduce costs, and drive AI-powered innovation at scale.
This partnership positions NTT DATA and Cisco as leaders in enabling AI-driven transformation. By delivering modern, secure, and scalable networks, they empower organizations to harness AI’s full potential, ensuring operational excellence and competitive advantage in the AI era.
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and startup companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all.
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