In a strategic move to enhance its enterprise AI offerings, EPAM Systems has entered a multi-year partnership with Anthropic, a prominent player in the AI space. This collaboration responds to the growing demand among large enterprises for operational AI systems that transition from experimental phases to large-scale implementations.
The agreement will integrate EPAM's extensive software engineering and consulting expertise with Anthropic's advanced Claude AI models, including Claude Code and Agent SDK tools. This combination aims to empower corporate customers by automating workflows, modernizing outdated systems, and supporting the analysis of substantial datasets.
EPAM is establishing a dedicated practice with over 10,000 Claude-certified architects, initially focusing on 250 specialized engineers dedicated to enterprise AI deployment. Currently, more than 1,300 architects have completed their certification, with a goal of reaching 5,000 certified professionals by the end of Q3 2024. The company anticipates further expansion by 2027, reflecting its commitment to scaling capabilities in this field.
Beyond certification efforts, over 20,000 employees have undergone training through the Anthropic Academy, highlighting EPAM’s investment in upskilling its workforce to meet clients' evolving needs. Elaina Shekhter, EPAM’s chief strategy and transformation officer, noted that the partnership represents a significant milestone in the company’s aim to become the leading AI-native strategic service provider for Global 2000 clients. She emphasized that businesses are increasingly looking to balance rapid AI adoption with operational controls that ensure long-term value.
This partnership emerges at a time when enterprises are shifting toward AI systems capable of managing production-level operations while ensuring reliability and security. Consulting firms and software providers are increasingly focusing on agentic AI systems, which autonomously execute workflows and integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure.
Phil Samenuk, Anthropic’s head of partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to welcome EPAM as an Anthropic services partner. Together, we’re helping enterprises strengthen operational resilience and meet their business objectives by taking AI from concept to production.”
Founded in 1993, EPAM has positioned itself as a leader in providing software engineering and digital transformation services globally. Anthropic has emerged as a key competitor in the generative AI space, competing with giants like OpenAI and Google. This partnership underscores EPAM's ambition and reflects the broader trend of enterprises seeking reliable AI solutions that deliver tangible business outcomes.
