NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) have signed a multi-year global strategic alliance targeting US$1 billion in joint business by the end of 2029, aimed at helping enterprises adopt AI securely as cyber threats increasingly move at machine speed.

The tie-up comes as NTT DATA research involving more than 2,300 global business and IT decision-makers found that fewer than half, 47 per cent, say they are highly prepared to manage cloud and AI security risks with formal risk management plans in place.

First alliance of its kind for Palo Alto Networks

The agreement marks Palo Alto Networks’ first strategic alliance of this scale with a global systems integrator, pairing its AI-powered security platforms with NTT DATA’s consulting, engineering and managed services arm. NTT DATA will get early access to new Palo Alto Networks platform capabilities through joint engineering work.

• More than 2,000 Palo Alto Networks-certified professionals plus dedicated Forward Deployed Engineers
• NTT DATA’s 7,500+ cybersecurity professionals across 70+ delivery centres and 20+ Cyber Defense Centers
• Integration of Unit 42 threat intelligence with NTT DATA’s AI governance and managed services
• Initial solutions across six areas: autonomous SOC, AI governance, identity security, Zero Trust and SASE, resilient cloud, and firewall modernisation

“AI is redefining every aspect of the enterprise, but it is also transforming the threat landscape at unprecedented speed. Organizations need a new approach to cyber resilience that combines AI-driven security, deep industry expertise and global scale,” said Abhijit Dubey, Chief Executive Officer and Chief AI Officer, NTT DATA, Inc.

APAC interview angle on offer

Nikesh Arora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Palo Alto Networks, said the expanded alliance would let the companies “operationalize platformization at true global scale, helping enterprises eliminate legacy complexity and move fast without sacrificing safety.”

Initial solutions will target highly regulated sectors including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and the public sector. NTT DATA has offered an interview with Ashish Thapar, its Vice President and Head of Cybersecurity for Asia Pacific, to discuss how organisations in the region should approach secure AI adoption.