Tech Mahindra & Cisco launch AI-driven security edge

Tech Mahindra has partnered with Cisco to launch an AI-driven Security Service Edge offering for global enterprises, aimed at organisations managing cloud environments, hybrid work and wider AI use.

The agreement combines Tech Mahindra's managed services and systems integration capabilities with Cisco's Secure Access platform. The joint service is designed to provide a single cloud-based framework for controlling access and applying security policies across users, devices and locations.

Security Service Edge products have become a growing focus for large technology suppliers as companies shift applications and workloads beyond traditional corporate networks. The model typically brings together access controls, web security and cloud security tools in one service, rather than relying on separate products deployed across different parts of an organisation.

The offering includes a secure web gateway, cloud access security broker, zero trust network access, firewall-as-a-service and data loss prevention in one platform. According to Tech Mahindra and Cisco, this approach is intended to reduce operational complexity, improve visibility into network and application use, and support access for staff working across distributed environments.

For Tech Mahindra, the tie-up broadens its cyber security services portfolio at a time when services companies are seeking a larger role in managing clients' cloud security estates. It also expands the group's presence in the cloud security market.

The companies are targeting enterprises dealing with a mix of legacy infrastructure, cloud systems and rising use of AI tools. They said customers are looking for more consistent controls as work extends across corporate offices, homes, mobile devices and external cloud services.

Demand has also been shaped by concerns around generative AI and the use of AI agents within businesses. The new service is intended to provide protections for those use cases as organisations adopt more automated systems.

Saket Singh outlined the rationale for the move.

"As enterprises increasingly operate in hybrid and distributed environments, security must evolve from siloed controls to unified, cloud-native platforms. Fragmented tools, inconsistent user experiences, and rising threats are creating visibility and control gaps as applications are accessed from anywhere. Through our partnership with Cisco, we are combining advanced SSE capabilities with Tech Mahindra's managed services expertise to simplify operations, strengthen zero-trust enforcement, and deliver consistent, AI-powered protection at scale," said Saket Singh, SVP & Business Head - Digital Core Services (Cloud, Infrastructure, Network and Cyber Security Services), Tech Mahindra.

Market shift

The partnership reflects a broader shift in cyber security spending towards integrated services that combine software, policy management and outsourced operations. Large enterprises have often built security stacks over time from multiple suppliers, leaving security teams to connect products with overlapping functions.

Cisco has been expanding its security portfolio around cloud-delivered access and policy tools as part of that trend. Working with a global services provider gives it a route into enterprise deployments that require integration with existing infrastructure and ongoing operational support.

Raj Chopra, who leads product at Cisco's security unit, said customers were looking for fewer moving parts in their security environments.

"Enterprises don't need another tool to stitch into an already complex security stack. They need a simpler way to secure how work actually happens across users, devices, applications, clouds, and increasingly AI agents. Cisco Secure Access brings zero trust, identity context, and AI-powered protection into one cloud-delivered platform, helping teams enforce policy consistently while giving users seamless access from anywhere. Together with Tech Mahindra's global managed services and integration expertise, we can help organizations modernize security operations, accelerate secure cloud and AI adoption, and move with confidence in the agentic era," said Chopra.

Tech Mahindra employs more than 146,000 people across 90 countries and provides consulting, IT, engineering, network and business process services to large companies. Cisco remains one of the biggest suppliers of networking and cyber security products to enterprise customers and has been repositioning parts of its business around software, subscriptions and cloud-based services.

The latest agreement shows how both companies are trying to capture more spending from clients seeking integrated security services rather than a patchwork of standalone tools.