NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) have signed a multi-year global strategic alliance targeting $1 billion in joint business by the end of 2029, according to a press release from the companies.

The agreement pairs Palo Alto Networks' cybersecurity platforms and Unit 42 threat intelligence with NTT DATA's consulting, engineering and managed services. Palo Alto Networks describes the deal as its first strategic alliance of this kind with a global systems integrator.

The alliance is backed by more than 2,000 Palo Alto Networks-certified professionals at NTT DATA, joint engineering investments and dedicated Forward Deployed Engineers. NTT DATA will receive early access to new Palo Alto Networks platform features as part of the arrangement.

Initial solutions will target six areas: autonomous security operations, AI governance, identity security, Zero Trust and SASE architecture, cloud security posture management, and firewall modernization. The companies said these offerings will focus on clients in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and the public sector.

"Expanding our alliance with NTT DATA allows us to operationalize platformization at true global scale, helping enterprises eliminate legacy complexity and move fast without sacrificing safety," said Nikesh Arora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Palo Alto Networks.

Abhijit Dubey, Chief Executive Officer and Chief AI Officer of NTT DATA, said the alliance brings "AI-powered cybersecurity innovation together with NTT DATA's consulting, engineering and managed services capabilities to help clients securely accelerate AI adoption."

NTT DATA states it employs more than 7,500 cybersecurity professionals across 70-plus delivery centers and 20-plus Cyber Defense Centers globally.