Data is one of the biggest assets a business has, but only if it’s actually usable.
A lot of companies still deal with data that’s spread across different systems, difficult to access, or simply not set up for analytics and AI. That’s where data engineering services come in.
The right partner can help you organize your data, build reliable pipelines, modernize older systems, and create a platform that’s ready for reporting, AI, and future growth.
In this guide, we’re looking at three companies that do this well: Forte Group, EPAM Systems, and Slalom.
What Makes a Good Data Engineering Partner?
Every company has different goals, but the best data engineering partners usually have a few things in common.
They should be able to build reliable data infrastructure, understand cloud technologies, and have experience working with large, complex systems. Just as importantly, they should understand your business and build solutions that still work as you grow.
For this comparison, we looked at their experience, services, industry expertise, and the types of projects they typically work on.
Forte Group
If you’re looking for more than just a team to build data pipelines, Forte Group is one of the first companies to look at.
What we like about Forte is that it takes a broader approach to data engineering. Instead of treating it as a standalone service, the company focuses on building modern data platforms that support analytics, AI, and software development together. That means you’re creating a foundation your business can keep building on, not just solving today’s problem.
Forte offers everything from data strategy and architecture to pipeline development, cloud migration, and data modernization. Whether you’re moving away from legacy systems or building a new cloud-based platform, the goal is to make your data easier to use across the business.
The company has worked with more than 400 projects across industries like healthcare, finance, logistics, retail, and SaaS. It also says that around 90% of its clients become long-term partners, which suggests it focuses on building ongoing relationships rather than simply delivering a project and moving on.
Another thing worth mentioning is the results they’ve shared. Their case studies include helping a mortgage company reduce infrastructure costs by 50%, launching a healthcare platform in six months, and modernizing enterprise systems to support AI and advanced analytics.
If your business is also exploring AI, Forte is worth a closer look. Alongside data engineering, it also offers AI consulting, machine learning, software development, and cloud services, so you don’t have to manage multiple technology partners as your projects grow.
Why you’ll like it
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End-to-end data engineering services
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Strong cloud, AI, and analytics expertise
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Experience with large enterprise projects
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Long-term partnership approach
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Works across several industries
A couple of things to keep in mind
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Better suited to medium and large organizations.
Best for: Enterprises looking for a long-term technology partner for data, AI, and software engineering.
EPAM Systems
EPAM Systems is one of the biggest names in software engineering, so it’s no surprise that data engineering is one of its strongest areas too.
The company works with large organizations that need help modernizing their data platforms, moving to the cloud, or making better use of their data. It also has plenty of experience with AI, analytics, and enterprise software, which makes it a good choice for businesses going through a larger digital transformation.
One thing that stands out about EPAM is its global scale. It has thousands of engineers around the world and has worked with companies across industries like healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and media. That makes it a strong option if you’re running large, complex projects across multiple teams or regions.
The downside is that EPAM is very much an enterprise-focused company. If you’re a smaller business or you’re only looking for help with one specific data project, it may be more than you need.
Why you’ll like it
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Strong experience with enterprise data platforms
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Cloud, AI, and analytics expertise
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Global team with experience across many industries
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Good fit for large digital transformation projects
A couple of things to keep in mind
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Mainly focused on large enterprise clients.
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Smaller projects may not get the same level of attention.
Best for: Large enterprises looking for an experienced technology partner for complex data and cloud projects.
Slalom
If you’re looking for a company that combines technical expertise with business consulting, Slalom is definitely worth considering.
Instead of focusing only on the technical side, Slalom works closely with businesses to understand their goals before designing a data solution. That approach can be especially useful if you’re planning a bigger transformation rather than just upgrading your data platform.
The company helps businesses build modern cloud data platforms, improve data governance, and prepare their data for analytics and AI. It also has strong partnerships with providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Snowflake, making it a solid choice for organizations moving to the cloud.
Compared to Forte Group or EPAM, Slalom feels a little more consulting-focused, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you want strategic guidance alongside technical implementation, it’s a good balance.
Why you’ll like it
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Strong cloud and data consulting experience
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Good mix of strategy and technical delivery
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Works with leading cloud platforms
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Experienced with enterprise transformation projects
A couple of things to keep in mind
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More consulting-focused than some competitors.
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Enterprise services may be more than smaller organizations need.
Best for: Enterprises looking for both business consulting and data engineering expertise.
Final Thoughts
All three companies on this list are strong choices, but they’re suited to different types of businesses.
If you’re looking for an all-around partner that combines data engineering with AI, cloud, and software development, Forte Group is probably the best place to start. It offers a broad range of services and focuses on building long-term solutions rather than just completing individual projects.
EPAM Systems is a great option for large enterprises managing complex digital transformation projects, while Slalom stands out for businesses that want both technical expertise and strategic guidance.
At the end of the day, the right partner depends on your goals, your existing infrastructure, and where you want your business to go next.