Akamai earned Microsoft certification for API security software, reflecting growing demand for cloud-based protection as AI adoption spreads.

What happened: Akamai Technologies was designated a Solutions Partner with certified software status within the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program for its API Security offering. This certification confirms that Akamai's software works across platforms including Microsoft Azure, providing visibility and security for cloud operations.

Why it matters: As businesses adopt AI more widely, the need for robust API protection—the interfaces through which applications communicate—is intensifying. Certifications like this help partners stand out and signal they can meet the growing demand for cloud-based security solutions.

What to watch: Akamai closed at $132.46, up 1.9%, while Microsoft closed at $390.34, down 1.8%. The partnership underscores how cloud providers and security vendors are tightening integration to serve enterprises operating in environments like Azure.