Introduction

In an era where technological evolution dictates business success, Kyndryl and Microsoft have expanded their strategic partnership to deliver adaptive cloud solutions tailored for enterprises aiming to future-proof their operations. This collaboration focuses on modernizing mainframe applications, integrating advanced AI capabilities, and enhancing cyber resilience, thereby enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of digital transformation effectively.

Background

Kyndryl, the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, and Microsoft, a leader in cloud computing and AI technologies, initiated their global strategic alliance in November 2021. This partnership was established to combine Kyndryl's expertise in managing mission-critical IT systems with Microsoft's innovative cloud solutions, aiming to accelerate hybrid cloud adoption and modernize enterprise applications.

Expansion of the Partnership

Mainframe Modernization Services

On November 14, 2024, Kyndryl and Microsoft unveiled a suite of services designed to modernize mainframe applications by leveraging the Microsoft Cloud. These services aim to:

  • Accelerate Application Migration: Facilitate the transition of mainframe applications to Azure, enabling enterprises to benefit from cloud scalability and flexibility.
  • Integrate Generative AI Capabilities: Utilize Microsoft technologies such as Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot, and Azure DevOps to unlock AI insights from mainframe data, fostering innovation and informed decision-making.
  • Enhance Security and Compliance: Implement robust security measures and ensure compliance with regulatory standards through integrated solutions.

Petra Goude, Global Practice Leader for Core Enterprise and zCloud at Kyndryl, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "We can help organizations elevate their hybrid IT operating models and enrich core business applications and data with Azure while advancing security, accelerating generative AI deployment, and expanding the developer ecosystem using the latest Microsoft Copilot technologies." (kyndryl.com)

SAP ERP Migration Services

In addition to mainframe modernization, Kyndryl has been selected by Microsoft to participate in the RISE with SAP migration program. This collaboration aims to support customers in transitioning to SAP S/4HANA® Cloud, thereby minimizing business disruption, reducing costs, and maximizing the business impact of SAP solutions. Michael Bradshaw, Kyndryl's Applications, Data and AI Global Practice Leader, stated: "Kyndryl will leverage our data and application expertise, comprehensive services, and alliance ecosystem to guide customers in their complex cloud transformations from beginning to end." (kyndryl.com)

Implications and Impact

The expanded partnership between Kyndryl and Microsoft holds several implications for enterprises:

  • Accelerated Digital Transformation: By modernizing legacy systems and integrating advanced technologies, businesses can expedite their digital transformation journeys.
  • Enhanced Security Posture: The collaboration introduces comprehensive security services, including:
    • Risk and Compliance Readiness: Utilizing Microsoft Purview to assess and manage compliance across multi-cloud and hybrid environments.
    • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Implementing Zero Trust principles with Microsoft Entra to secure access to resources.
    • Extended Detection and Response (XDR): Employing Microsoft Defender to prevent, detect, and respond to sophisticated cyber threats. (investors.kyndryl.com)
  • AI-Driven Innovation: The integration of generative AI capabilities enables enterprises to derive actionable insights from their data, fostering innovation and competitive advantage.

Technical Details

The partnership introduces several technical enhancements:

  • Systems Integration: Kyndryl provides integration services that enable the creation of cloud-native applications using the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure, extending Azure DevSecOps pipelines to the mainframe.
  • Data Governance: Synchronizing mainframe data with Azure SQL Managed Instance and utilizing Azure Purview to enforce data governance practices across cloud and mainframe estates.
  • Application Modernization: Incorporating Azure cloud-native architectures, microservices, and DevOps support to modernize the mainframe application portfolio.
  • AI Deployment: Leveraging Microsoft Fabric to unlock value from mainframe data, enabling cloud-based analytics and insights without impacting mainframe utilization. (kyndryl.com)

Conclusion

The expanded collaboration between Kyndryl and Microsoft signifies a pivotal advancement in providing adaptive cloud solutions for enterprises. By combining Kyndryl's infrastructure expertise with Microsoft's cloud and AI capabilities, this partnership equips businesses with the tools necessary to modernize their IT environments, enhance security, and drive innovation, positioning them for sustained success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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