New Challenger Emerges in European Workday Ecosystem

US-based Kognitiv Inc has acquired European Workday partner ClouDevOps (CDO) for an undisclosed sum.

Kognitiv described the move – its first acquisition to date – as part of its aim to become the world’s largest boutique Workday consultancy. The Newton, Massachusetts-based company’s core proposition is based around its “power by the hour” model, through which it provides post-implementation support such as maintenance and enhancement relating to aspects including reporting, dashboards and knowledge transfer.

Kognitiv was established in 2016 and currently has 225 consultants supporting more than 400 Workday clients. It already has a presence in Europe, which accounts for 20% of its business. Kognitiv has worked with Estonia-based ClouDevOps in the past, with the latter reselling its “Rooster” interview scheduling automation solution, built on the Workday platform. ClouDevOps provides Workday-related consulting, implementation and managed services, with clients including Roche, ABInBev and Polestar.

PAC has previously shared its views on the need for Workday to accelerate the development of its ecosystem after speaking with clients that identified a need for more external support in handling both the technical and business change aspects of their Workday initiatives.

Workday continues to win larger and more complex engagements with its clients. More than a third of new customer wins being “full-suite” deals, that encompass both its HCM and Financials propositions. The vendor also continues to build out its “Illuminate” AI strategy, and refine its industry-specific offerings, building on the momentum it has enjoyed in sectors such as higher education.

This means that the role of the services partner will increase, and Kognitiv is ramping up in the EMEA region at an interesting time. Workday is increasing its investment in both its direct presence and its partner programmes as it looks to capitalize on rising demand from both midmarket buyers and larger organizations.