HCLSoftware to acquire Zeenea to boost data and analytics capabilities

HCLSoftware, the software division of HCL Technologies, has announced its intent to acquire Zeenea, a Paris-based leader in data catalog and governance solutions. This strategic move is set to enhance HCLSoftware’s Data & Analytics business unit, particularly its Actian Data Platform, by integrating advanced metadata management, data catalog, and governance capabilities.

The acquisition, anticipated to close in September 2024, is a significant step for HCLSoftware as it aims to bolster its position in the data and analytics sector. The Actian Data Platform has experienced substantial growth in hybrid data management and integration, making this acquisition a strategic fit to expand its service offerings. By incorporating Zeenea’s solutions, HCLSoftware will enrich its platform with enhanced data discovery, cataloging, lineage, governance, and compliance features.

Zeenea’s innovative platform provides a comprehensive suite of metadata management tools. It includes intelligent data discovery applications, which leverage an adaptive knowledge graph to enable organisations to democratise data access and generate a 360-degree view of their data assets and their interconnections. This functionality is poised to support HCLSoftware’s clients in their data engineering and Generative AI (GenAI) initiatives.

Kalyan Kumar, Chief Product Officer at HCLSoftware, emphasised the importance of metadata management for accelerating GenAI initiatives across business functions. Kumar stated, “Metadata management is becoming critical for our customers to accelerate their GenAI initiatives across business functions. Zeenea will further accelerate the growth in the data and analytics space for HCLSoftware. It will enable HCLSoftware to offer a unified data intelligence solution that will power enterprises to discover, govern, connect, manage, and better leverage data in their data engineering and GenAI journeys.”

Marc Potter, CEO of Actian and Portfolio General Manager of HCLSoftware’s Data & Analytics business, highlighted that organisations are increasingly seeking an integrated approach to data management. Potter noted, “Organizations demand an integrated and holistic approach to data management. Zeenea’s data catalog and governance capabilities will extend our portfolio to offer a comprehensive, single-vendor solution to meet all the data needs of today’s data-driven enterprises.”

Luc Legardeur, CEO and Co-founder of Zeenea, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “Incorporating Zeenea’s capabilities with HCLSoftware will deliver a differentiated solution for customers. Combining HCLSoftware data analytics, database and data management solutions with our knowledge graph, data catalog, and enterprise data marketplace will offer customers a tailored approach to data management.”

HCLSoftware, which operates under HCL Technologies, serves over 7,000 organisations across 130 countries. The company focuses on a range of business and industry applications, including commerce, MarTech, aftermarket ERP, platforms for Total Experience, intelligent operations software, security and compliance, and data and analytics products and platforms.