Persistent Systems, a global leader in digital engineering, has announced a strategic partnership with API connectivity specialist Kong Inc. This collaboration aims to establish a new enterprise architecture for governing APIs, data, and AI systems across diverse cloud environments. The partnership directly addresses the growing complexity of scaling artificial intelligence from experimental phases to full-scale production.
Addressing the AI Governance Gap
As businesses transition AI into production, the primary challenge shifts from accessing models to managing the operational fabric. This fabric, comprising APIs, data pipelines, and models, often becomes fragmented and difficult to govern at scale. Without a unified control layer, complexity increases, hindering efficient operation and oversight of these critical systems.
A Unified Connectivity Layer
The joint solution enables organizations to implement Kong’s governed and scalable connectivity layer for all their APIs, data, and AI services. This allows for the modernization of legacy API environments, strengthening governance protocols and reducing overall operational expenditures. It also ensures seamless support for high-performance workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures.
This collaboration facilitates the operationalization of Generative AI and agentic workflows with integrated security and policy-driven controls. Key safeguards include the protection of personally identifiable information (PII), centralized access management, and comprehensive end-to-end observability. These features ensure enterprise-grade security and compliance for all API and AI interactions.
Synergizing Platforms for Enterprise-Scale AI
The partnership advances Persistent’s AI-first strategy by combining Kong’s AI Gateway with Persistent’s GenAI Hub and engineering services. This synergy creates a more predictable path for organizations to move from AI ambitions to large-scale enterprise execution. It helps businesses transition beyond isolated use cases toward governed, production-grade AI systems.
Anand Krishnan, Executive Vice President at Persistent, stated that enterprise AI will be defined by the effective governance of intelligence flows. He emphasized that APIs are now the control layer for enterprise AI, and this partnership provides a unified platform. Together, they will help clients build secure, controlled, and outcome-driven AI systems.
Ken Kim, Senior Vice President at Kong, noted that APIs are critical for connecting services and data as enterprises put AI into production. He explained that Persistent’s deep digital engineering expertise complements Kong’s unified platform. The collaboration aims to help customers deploy enterprise AI with consistent policy enforcement and strong observability.
This strategic alliance between Persistent Systems and Kong Inc. marks a significant step toward simplifying enterprise AI adoption. By providing a unified framework for connectivity and governance, the partnership empowers organizations to scale their AI initiatives with greater control and reduced risk. The collaboration is set to accelerate the realization of business value from AI across various industries.