March 07, 2019
Accenture Ranked #1 in Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Services, According to HFS Research
NEW YORK; March 7, 2019 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been ranked number one in the HFS Research Microsoft AI Services Top 10 Report which assessed and rated the Microsoft artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of service providers across innovation, execution and client feedback criteria.
The report states that Accenture leverages “its uniquely deep relationship with Microsoft to raise enterprise AI standards across industries.” Of the 14 providers assessed, Accenture ranked number one across the following categories: depth and breadth of Microsoft AI service offerings, scale, focus on business outcomes and process transformation, technology innovation and enterprise client feedback.
“Accenture leads the industry in Microsoft AI services as a result of its deep and longstanding alliance relationship with Microsoft which uniquely positions it to deliver relevant and timely AI solutions to its enterprise clients,” said Reetika Fleming, research director, HFS Research. “Accenture has demonstrated a credible execution capability for Microsoft AI services and a strong commitment to driving innovation in this burgeoning market.”
Specific Accenture strengths highlighted in the report include:
- Unique Microsoft partnership with Avanade. Formed in 2000, Avanade’s 35,000-person consulting operation is dedicated to helping clients implement and improve their ROI from Microsoft technologies, including AI. Avanade collaborates closely with Accenture’s intelligent automation practice, enabling a feedback loop among Accenture, Avanade, and Microsoft and leveraging the strengths of each individual entity to deliver AI capabilities for clients.
- Segmented AI training. Accenture recognizes the wide range of capabilities within the AI umbrella, and segments its training approach into manageable modules accordingly. Its “AI aware” program trains staff in AI capabilities based on their existing technology experience and background. This helps enable real depth of AI training for employees and true specialization within a diverse technological umbrella.
- Using Microsoft experience to help clients’ cloud AI journeys. Accenture and Microsoft’s 30-year relationship gives Accenture and Avanade an intimate knowledge of Microsoft’s tools, where they can be applied, and where improvements or additions can be made. This perspective helps it fine-tune clients’ Microsoft experience.
“We’re uniquely positioned to help our clients leverage Microsoft technologies to rotate to the new to drive digital transformation,” said Emma McGuigan, senior managing director, Accenture Microsoft Business Group. “In conjunction with Avanade, we have the largest number of Microsoft solution consultants in the industry and AI skills and services are a critical focus. Our position in this report is a testament to our ability to help enterprise clients apply Microsoft AI capabilities to help drive business outcomes.”
Accenture, Microsoft and Avanade recently launched the Accenture Microsoft Business Group which expands the combined service capabilities, global scale and joint solution development to help clients overcome disruption and lead transformation in their industries. The group is focused on providing clients with comprehensive services around AI, among other areas.
“Our clients benefit from deep industry-focused AI solutions from Accenture Applied Intelligence that are powered by a team of more than 6,000 AI professionals and 3,000 data scientists,” said Athina Kanioura, chief analytics officer and global lead of Accenture Applied Intelligence. “Our relationship with Microsoft supports our approach to apply AI, analytics, and automation to some of our clients most complex issues and help deliver real value to their business.”
Accenture and Avanade have been named Microsoft Alliance Partner of the Year 14 times. Together, they have delivered more than 35,000 Microsoft projects for more than 4,000 clients around the world.
About Accenture
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions — underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network — Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With 469,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
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Contact:
Hannah Unkefer
Accenture
+1 206 839 2172
hannah.m.unkefer@accenture.com