Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) and Telstra have joined forces in a five-year strategic partnership aimed at propelling the growth strategy of the Australian telecommunications and technology giant. The collaboration focuses on revolutionizing Telstra’s software engineering and IT capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to foster innovation and enhance operational efficiency.
The primary objective of this strategic alliance is to expedite Telstra’s technology advancements by implementing modern product engineering practices. Cognizant will play a pivotal role in enabling Telstra to elevate customer experience and accelerate its speed to market. By harnessing its global expertise, Cognizant will support Telstra’s ambition to streamline software engineering and IT operations while phasing out outdated systems. Additionally, the partnership aims to enhance the employee experience by cultivating a culture of innovation within Telstra’s workforce.
Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Telstra to support its ambitious goals. He commended Telstra’s innovative approach to transforming products and customer experiences, emphasizing Cognizant’s pride in contributing as one of Telstra’s strategic IT partners.
Kim Krogh Andersen, Group Executive Product and Technology at Telstra, highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships in achieving digital leadership and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Selecting Cognizant as a strategic partner for software engineering and IT functions aligns with Telstra’s objectives of simplifying operations for sustainable growth.
Kieran O’Meara, Head of Software Engineering and IT at Telstra, emphasized the partnership’s role in building a modern software engineering capability grounded in contemporary practices, advanced tools, and a skilled workforce. Telstra aims to redefine industry standards through agile methodologies, AI integration, and a dedication to customer-centric design, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Jane Livesey, Head of Asia Pacific and Japan at Cognizant, highlighted the partnership as a transformative step in professional services. She emphasized the departure from conventional contracting and delivery models, focusing instead on a strategic partnership framework that aligns with Telstra’s innovation goals. Through shared accountability, Cognizant is committed to enhancing operations, fostering efficient engineering teams, and leveraging AI and cloud expertise to unlock new opportunities and deliver unparalleled value for Telstra’s customers.
