Independent research firm recognizes Cognizant’s AI-first approach to infrastructure modernization, citing integrated platforms, automation depth, embedded security and global execution scale

July 30, 2026 — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced it has been positioned as a Market Leader in HFS Horizons: Next-gen IT Infrastructure Services, 2026, a report from HFS Research evaluating 17 global service providers on their ability to help enterprises modernize, secure, operate and continuously optimize infrastructure in the age of AI. Cognizant was also recognized as a Services-as-Software^TM (SaS) Star, a designation HFS introduced this year to highlight providers showing the strongest signs of shifting service delivery from labor-led models toward software- and agent-driven operations.

The HFS Horizons framework assesses providers across three tiers of capability: Horizon 1 (Disruptors), Horizon 2 (Enterprise Innovators) and Horizon 3 (Market Leaders). Placement in Horizon 3 recognizes providers that demonstrate strategy and execution capabilities at scale across complex, hybrid and multi-cloud environments, comprehensive ecosystem partnerships, strong proprietary IP and the ability to drive co-creation with clients toward new operating and commercial models.

According to the report, Cognizant “targets AI-first infrastructure transformation through integrated platforms, automation depth and global execution.” HFS highlighted Cognizant’s CognitiveGrid platform — which unifies hybrid cloud, networking, mainframe, observability, security and automation into a single modernization engine — alongside its Agent Foundry construct, which aligns infrastructure modernization with enterprise AI readiness. The report also cited Cognizant’s automation and AIOps ecosystem, including Neuro^®, Skygrade^® , NexusGrid and SIAMNXT, as core to its ability to support proactive, secure and resilient operations at scale across more than 480 infrastructure services clients and 28,000 supporting professionals worldwide.

“Infrastructure is no longer simply the foundation behind the business — it is becoming the control plane that helps determine how quickly and securely enterprises can put AI to work,” said Sriramkumar Kumaresan, Global Head of Cloud, Infrastructure and Security, Cognizant. “This recognition reflects the years we’ve invested in bringing AI directly into how infrastructure is designed, operated, secured and optimized — not as a bolt-on, but as the connective layer across CognitiveGrid, Agent Foundry and our automation platforms. We’re proud that HFS sees this as leadership-tier work and we remain focused on helping our clients turn their infrastructure into a secure, trusted source of business advantage.”

HFS Research also noted the growing importance of AI-native operating models across the infrastructure services market.

“Cognizant’s AI-first approach to next-generation infrastructure reflects the market’s shift from managing technology estates to orchestrating intelligent business foundations,” said Ashwin Venkatesan, Executive Research Leader, HFS Research. “By combining platforms such as CognitiveGrid and Agent Foundry with deep automation, hybrid cloud and observability capabilities, Cognizant is helping enterprises move toward more predictive, resilient and outcome-driven operations. Its emphasis on integrating AI across infrastructure, operations and modernization positions it well to support organizations building the operational foundations required for AI-enabled business transformation.”

The report further notes Cognizant's proven delivery experience across complex, multi–data center, multi-country and regulated environments — where security and compliance requirements are central client priorities — including financial services, healthcare, life sciences and energy supported by 100+ delivery centers globally and a persona-based go-to-market approach that connects infrastructure modernization to the priorities of CIOs, CFOs, COOs and CHROs alike.

Read the full report HERE.

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is an AI builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.