Persistent Systems announces acquisition of Starfish Associates to bolster AI-driven business transformation

Persistent Systems, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) under the ticker PERSISTENT, has declared its intent to acquire Starfish Associates, a New Jersey-based leader in Enterprise Communications automation. This strategic move significantly enhances Persistent’s capabilities in the Contact Center and Unified Communications sectors, leveraging its robust AI-driven business transformation skills.

The acquisition of Starfish Associates, renowned for its intelligent integration hub and workflow engine, positions Persistent Systems at the forefront of the AI-led innovation wave in unified communications management. Starfish’s platform is adept at facilitating seamless connections across diverse business applications and communication systems, including major platforms like Amazon Connect, Avaya, Cisco, Genesys, and Microsoft Teams, and integrates with essential business applications such as ServiceNow, Workday, and Microsoft Active Directory.

Sandeep Kalra, CEO and Executive Director of Persistent Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “Our journey of industry-leading growth continues, fueled by strategic expansion and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. The integration of Starfish Associates’ platform greatly enhances our unified communications and contact center management offerings as this industry undergoes significant disruption on the back of AI-led innovations.”

Robert Hankin and David Raanan, Co-Founders and Partners at Starfish Associates, highlighted the enhanced capabilities and broader customer access this partnership entails. “Joining forces with Persistent presents a new chapter for us, augmenting our capabilities in integration, automation, and AI-driven contact center transformation,” said Hankin.

Phil Fersht, CEO and Chief Analyst at HFS Research, commented on the potential of this acquisition to disrupt the market: “With the acquisition of Starfish Associates, Persistent is positioned to disrupt the Unified Communications and Contact Center markets. The firm’s industry-leading growth and distinct culture make this an exciting proposition to watch as the need for AI-enabled transformation from enterprises demands trusted providers.”

The merger is expected to deliver immediate benefits to Persistent’s clientele, enhancing operational efficiencies and enabling agile responses to dynamic business environments. The synergy between Persistent’s AI-powered automation capabilities and Starfish’s advanced platform promises to scale new heights in customer experience management and operational agility.