TEANECK, N.J., Feb. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) today announced it was named a “Leader” in “The Forrester Wave™: EMEA Applications Outsourcing Services, Q1 2014,” published February 3, 2014, by Forrester Research Inc.

Cognizant was among the select companies invited to participate in this Forrester Wave evaluation. The report evaluated and scored Cognizant on the basis of a comprehensive methodology across 43 criteria relating to Current Offering, Strategy, and Market Presence. Read the full report here.

Cognizant received the highest score in the “Strategy” category that measured each service provider’s overall strategy around its client value proposition and view toward the future of applications outsourcing, vision for managed outcome relationships, strategy for continuous improvement, and vision for improved delivery through the leverage of intellectual property.

 “Cognizant, more than any other applications outsourcing supplier, blends effective account management with customer advocacy while empowering decentralized decision-making,” the report stated. “Cognizant also has a good sense for key EMEA client requirements and is a solid fit across the spectrum of applications outsourcing services, especially for customers in the UK.”

“Mastering divergent EMEA cultures is a challenge for suppliers,” the report stated. “On the flip side, companies like Cognizant that empower localized decision making can succeed.” The report added, “‘They create a local entity in every area in which they work,’ one customer said. ‘We have a longer relationship with the local representative with low turnover and a better working relationship.’”

“We believe this recognition speaks to our client-first culture and our consulting-led, high-touch relationship model, which are at the heart of our differentiated value proposition and client experience,” said Rajeev Mehta, Chief Executive Officer for IT Services at Cognizant. “Faced with globalization, regulatory changes, and the rise of new technology architectures such as social, mobile, analytics and cloud, clients see in Cognizant a partner who can address their dual mandate of achieving new levels of business performance as well as innovation on one integrated platform. Thanks to our continued investments in nurturing strong client relationships, bringing our industry-leading processes to the EMEA region, and building strong local teams and capabilities, we believe we are uniquely positioned to help our clients drive agility, innovation, and top-line growth. As EMEA clients adopt long-term outsourcing programs and embrace a global delivery model, this recognition affirms client confidence in our ability to deliver business value.”

About Cognizant

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world’s leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant combines a passion for client satisfaction, technology innovation, deep industry and business process expertise, and a global, collaborative workforce that embodies the future of work. With over 50 delivery centers worldwide and approximately 171,400 employees as of December 31, 2013, Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 2000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world. Visit us online at www.cognizant.com or follow us on Twitter: Cognizant.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions and the factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cognizant undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: Cognizant