Companies are no longer asking whether they should adopt AI. Instead, they are looking for ways to use it to automate processes, improve decision-making, and boost productivity.
At the centre of this transformation are technology giants such as Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars to build the infrastructure powering the next generation of AI applications.
But while Microsoft provides the foundation, a new opportunity is emerging for technology companies building specialised AI solutions on top of its ecosystem. Several Indian IT firms now use Microsoft's AI ecosystem to build industry-focused platforms for enterprises.
Artificial intelligence is only as good as the data it can access.
For large telecom operators, which is easier said than done. Customer records, network data, billing information, and service logs are often spread across multiple systems, making it difficult to generate meaningful insights in real time.
At its core, the platform combines Microsoft's AI capabilities with Tech Mahindra's telecom-focused knowledge graphs and domain expertise.
According to the company, the solution can help telecom operators organise large volumes of data and deploy AI agents capable of performing specific tasks with minimal human intervention.
Company highlighted use cases such as customer churn prediction, fraud detection, network optimisation, and operational automation.
The launch comes at a time when many enterprises are moving beyond AI pilots and looking for industry-specific applications that can be deployed at scale.
Interestingly, Tech Mahindra has been increasing its focus on AI-led offerings across its business. In its FY26 Analyst Day presentation, the company noted that nearly 95% of its key client engagements now have AI embedded in them.
The company has also introduced several AI-focused initiatives, including AI-powered telecom solutions and domain-specific large language models, as part of its broader strategy to become an AI-first organisation.
The Microsoft collaboration shows how Tech Mahindra combines its industry expertise with large-scale AI infrastructure to build specialised solutions for enterprise customers.
2. Persistent Systems
Persistent Systems is focusing on helping enterprises deploy AI across everyday business operations.
The company has developed an AI-powered platform called AssistX, which is designed to support employees across functions such as sales, human resources, finance, legal, IT, and customer support.
According to the company, AssistX combines generative AI, automation, and enterprise data to help users access information, complete tasks, and improve productivity through AI-powered assistants.
Microsoft provides much of the technology stack behind the platform.
Persistent stated that AssistX leverages Microsoft technologies, including Azure-based data infrastructure and AI capabilities. The company also highlighted Microsoft Azure Lakehouse and Microsoft Fabric as part of the platform's architecture.
What Each Company Brings to the Platform
| Microsoft |
Azure ecosystem, Microsoft Fabric, AI and data infrastructure |
| Persistent Systems |
AssistX platform, enterprise AI workflows, domain expertise |
The relationship extends beyond technology integration.
During its recent conference call, Persistent noted that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted AssistX during Microsoft's AI World Tour events in 2025. The company also stated that Microsoft executives showcased the platform at Microsoft Ignite 2025.
Microsoft recognised Persistent as a "Frontier Firm", reflecting its work in adopting and deploying AI across business functions.
Unlike traditional enterprise software that typically performs predefined tasks, platforms such as AssistX are designed to support more autonomous workflows, where AI agents can retrieve information, assist decision-making, and execute routine processes.
As enterprises increasingly look to move from AI experimentation to practical implementation, companies such as Persistent are building platforms aimed at embedding AI into day-to-day business operations using Microsoft's technology ecosystem.
3. KPIT Technologies
Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly software-driven. From autonomous driving features and connected services to over-the-air updates and digital cockpits, automakers are now managing millions of lines of software code alongside traditional vehicle engineering.
As software complexity grows, vehicle manufacturers are under pressure to reduce development timelines while maintaining strict safety and regulatory standards.
To address this challenge, KPIT Technologies unveiled its next-generation Agentic AI solution suite at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. As per the company, KPIT built the solution on Microsoft's AI infrastructure and uses AI-driven agents to support software development, validation, and integration across the automotive software lifecycle.
The platform is designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) accelerate vehicle software development while improving efficiency and reliability.
What Each Company Brings to the Platform
| Microsoft |
AI infrastructure and foundational AI capabilities |
| KPIT Technologies |
Automotive engineering expertise, software validation frameworks, mobility-focused AI solutions |
The launch aligns with KPIT's broader strategy of increasing investments in AI-led products and solutions for the mobility industry.
In its FY26 investor presentation, the company stated that AI is becoming increasingly important in automotive engineering and that domain-focused players are well positioned as automotive AI applications must meet safety and regulatory requirements.
KPIT has also developed Beacon, its mobility intelligence platform, which the company says is being deployed across multiple automotive manufacturers. According to KPIT, the platform is built on more than 25 years of automotive expertise and over 2,000 vehicle production programs.
The company's management noted that automotive manufacturers are under pressure to launch new products faster while controlling costs. As a result, KPIT is increasingly deploying AI-infused solutions to help customers reduce development timelines and improve efficiency.
As vehicles continue their transition towards software-defined architectures, KPIT's Microsoft-backed AI initiatives highlight how AI is being applied beyond enterprise software and into the next generation of mobility technologies.
The Next Layer of the AI Story
The first phase of the AI revolution was largely defined by companies building foundational models and computing infrastructure. A new phase is now taking shape.
Instead of developing large AI models from scratch, companies are increasingly focusing on building specialised platforms, AI agents, and industry-specific applications on top of existing AI ecosystems.
That is where the three companies discussed above fit into the picture. Tech Mahindra, Persistent Systems, and KPIT Technologies are all using Microsoft's AI ecosystem in diverse ways, combining it with their own intellectual property, industry expertise, and software platforms.
The common theme is not the industries they serve. It's the attempt to move higher up the value chain by building AI-led solutions rather than simply implementing technology for clients.
As AI continues to evolve, the focus may increasingly shift from who builds the underlying models to who creates the most useful applications on top of them.
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