IT services firm Cognizant today said it has partnered with software giant Microsoft to develop cloud computing solutions.

Cloud computing refers to a pay-per-use model, where applications and software are accessed over Internet and not owned by users.

As part of this program, Cognizant has set up a 'Octane Solution Center' to accelerate development of cloud-enabled solutions, which will be jointly funded, Cognizant said in a statement.

The partnership will facilitate collaboration between customers and senior business technology specialists, solution architects, security experts, and management professionals.

Cognizant will provide services, including consulting, solution accelerators, and technology management, while Microsoft will offer cloud-enabling technologies such as Azure.

"Cognizant, with its proven expertise on Microsoft technologies, deep domain knowledge, and innovative solutions, is well placed to provide advice and help customers benefit from Microsoft cloud services," Microsoft Senior Vice President of the Developer Division S Somasegar said.

The jointly funded Octane Solution Center expands the long-standing alliance to focus on creating next-generation solutions that enable new thresholds of business performance by leveraging cloud delivery models and technologies.

"This strategic program will enable our customers to realise the full potential of Microsoft Cloud technologies and redefine the way they deliver value to their customers," Cognizant President and Managing Director of Global Delivery R Chandrasekaran said.