Cognizant Makes Microsoft Cloud Bet With Planned Acquisition Of New Signature

New Signature, one of 70 certified Azure Expert Managed Service Providers worldwide, will form the foundation on which Cognizant will build its new Microsoft Business Group with a focus on services related to the full spectrum of Microsoft technologies.

International solution provider and professional services company Cognizant on Tuesday unveiled plans to acquire New Signature, a cloud-first, full-service Microsoft services provider.

Teaneck, N.J.-based Cognizant, said it expects the acquisition of New Signature to expand Cognizant‘s hyperscale cloud advisory services, which the company has been offering for some time, a Cognizant spokesperson told CRN via email.

New Signature will be the base for Cognizant‘s recently-formed Microsoft Business Group which is centered on Microsoft-based cloud solutions and the New Signature acquisition, the spokesperson told CRN.

[Related: Cognizant Doubles Down On Customer Digital Transformation Focus]

Washington, D.C.-based New Signature, which also has international headquarters in Toronto and London, is a global managed services provider offering clients solutions related to the intelligent enterprise and digital transformation, intelligent workplace including collaboration and communication, and intelligent cloud including helping build native cloud environments around Microsoft Azure.

New Signature works with the full range of Microsoft applications and tools, also has over 500 technical certifications and over 15 Microsoft gold-level certifications. The company is also one of 70 certified Azure Expert Managed Service Providers worldwide.

The acquisition is slated to close in the third quarter of 2020. No value for the acquisition was provided by Cognizant.

Greg Hyttenrauch, president of Cognizant digital systems and technology, said via the Cognizant spokesperson in an email that acquiring New Signature will complement Cognizant’s strong, broad range of Microsoft capabilities across Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365.

“We believe that more and more enterprises are seeking to leverage the integrated value of these three clouds, and New Signature brings a unique set of tools, methodologies and expertise that will give us a strong position in meeting this demand,” Hyttenrauch said. ”Additionally, we will add value to New Signature’s existing clients through Cognizant’s rich capabilities outside of our Microsoft-specific expertise -- in areas such as quality engineering and assurance services, application management, and service desk and infrastructure services.”