Technology

KPMG LLP AND MICROSOFT ESTABLISH INDUSTRY-LEADING INITIATIVE TO SCALE GENERATIVE AI ACROSS AUDIT, TAX AND ADVISORY

Published

3 years ago

May 11, 2023

Companies co-invest to deliver generative AI solutions for Audit, Tax and Advisory U.S. clientsKPMG deploys Microsoft OpenAI capabilities across its internal platforms Collaboration delivers responsible, secure approach to deploying AI at scale

NEW YORK, May 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — KPMG LLP, the U.S. the audit, tax, and advisory firm, and Microsoft are establishing an AI Innovation Initiative, focused on co-developing solutions for clients across industries and embedding Azure OpenAI Service across nearly all dimensions of KPMG’s U.S. business. The initiative will be led by Cherie Gartner, KPMG’s Global Lead Partner for Microsoft.

“Embracing the capabilities of generative AI will shape business solutions and create new opportunities for growth and success at our firm, in our industry and for our clients,” said Carl Carande, Vice Chair – Advisory for KPMG U.S. and Global Head of Advisory. “Over the past decade, Microsoft and KPMG have worked together to put ethics and security at the center of everything we do. The collective ingenuity of the team dedicated to our AI Innovation Initiative will allow us to innovate at a rapid pace, maintain the trust of our stakeholders, and deliver transformational value for our clients.”

Many KPMG U.S. partners and employees can already apply Microsoft’s generative AI capabilities against KPMG proprietary data within the firm’s secure cloud platform built on Microsoft Azure, and the firm will embed generative AI capabilities across its client delivery models. This collaboration with Microsoft and use of Azure OpenAI Service allows KPMG to layer Microsoft’s state-of-the-art machine learning models, natural language processing capabilities and enhanced analytics onto firm data sets and solutions within its secure cloud environment, protecting client and firm data.

“KPMG is known for delivering exceptional audit, tax, and advisory services to its clients, and we are thrilled to expand our collaboration with generative AI technologies to accelerate growth and innovation across KPMG and for its clients,” said Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft. “Through this initiative, we will work with KPMG to harness the power of Microsoft Azure, Azure OpenAI, and Microsoft 365 Copilot to deliver AI-empowered solutions within our trusted cloud environment.”

Today’s announcement focuses on three areas of investment:

Establishing the AI Innovation Initiative: KPMG and Microsoft are collaborating to develop new solutions that will address some of the market’s most pressing needs. For example, KPMG Tax developed an AI solution using Azure OpenAI Service that rapidly analyzes clients’ ESG data, establishes fact patterns, and ultimately helps clients to develop their ESG data reporting and narrative.Enhancing every client engagement: KPMG’s Advisory practice is rebuilding its project delivery platform on Azure to integrate Azure OpenAI Service and machine learning models. KPMG Tax will operate a generative-AI powered “virtual assistant” to create new client service models and revenue-generating opportunities.Transforming internal operations: KPMG will be an early adopter of Microsoft 365 Copilot this summer as part of the firm’s broader efforts to put generative AI capabilities in the hands of its professionals to help them work more efficiently and spend their time on high-value activities. The collaboration with Microsoft will also include a training component to prepare KPMG professionals to adopt the technology.

“The KPMG and Microsoft AI Innovation Initiative will bring the best of our two organizations together,” said Cherie Gartner, Global Lead Partner for Microsoft at KPMG. “KPMG’s industry-leading AI security and responsible use experience paired with Microsoft’s cutting-edge generative AI capabilities, provides us with an unrivaled ability to rapidly develop and deploy solutions, while also prioritizing protection and adhering to the principles of Responsible AI.”

About KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 143 countries and territories and has more than 265,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity and eradicating childhood illiteracy. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.

Media Contact:
Melanie Malluk Batley
mbatley@kpmg.com
201-307-8217

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SOURCE KPMG LLP

Technology

Accord Specialty Pharmacy Named Finalist in MMIT’s 11th Annual Retail Specialty Pharmacy Patient Choice Awards

Published

12 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

ORLANDO, Fla., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Accord Specialty Pharmacy, an independent specialty pharmacy serving patients across multiple states, has been named a finalist in the MMIT Patient Choice Awards, a recognition based on patient-reported satisfaction and experience.

Accord was selected as the only independent pharmacy among finalists in its category, alongside national pharmacy organizations such as Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and Walmart Specialty Pharmacy. This distinction highlights the company’s commitment to delivering personalized, high-touch care for patients managing complex and chronic conditions.

The MMIT Patient Choice Awards recognize specialty pharmacies that demonstrate excellence in patient satisfaction, service quality, and overall care experience. Finalists are determined based on direct patient feedback, making the recognition a meaningful reflection of the trust patients place in their pharmacy providers.

“Being recognized alongside national organizations and as the only independent finalist validates our belief that personalized, patient-centered care drives better outcomes. We are building a model that combines clinical depth, national reach, and operational flexibility to better serve patients, providers, and partners.” said AJ Patel, Founder and Pharmacy Manager of Accord Specialty Pharmacy.

Accord Specialty Pharmacy supports patients across complex specialty categories, including oncology, rare disease, and infusion, through a clinically driven, high-touch care model designed to improve access, adherence, and outcomes. The company’s approach emphasizes personalized support, responsive care coordination, and strong clinical engagement to help patients navigate complex therapies more effectively. With a growing national footprint and multi-state licensure, Accord is positioned to support patients, providers, and partners across diverse markets.

For more information, visit MMIT Announces Finalists of the 11th Specialty Pharmacy Patient Choice Awards – MMITNetwork.

About Accord Specialty Pharmacy:

Accord Specialty Pharmacy is an ACHC-accredited, multi-state licensed independent specialty pharmacy located in Central Florida, dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals managing complex and chronic conditions. Through personalized support, clinical expertise, and a high-touch approach, Accord helps patients navigate every step of their treatment journey. Learn more at www.accordspecialty.com.

CONTACT: contact@accordspecialty.com

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SOURCE Accord Specialty

Technology

HAIVISION ANNOUNCES VOTING RESULTS FROM 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Published

12 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

MONTRÉAL, April 23, 2026 /CNW/ – Haivision Systems Inc. (“Haivision” or the “Company”) (TSX: HAI) is pleased to announce the voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders held today in a virtual format.

A total of approximately 45.97 % of the issued and outstanding common shares of Haivision were represented at the meeting.

Election of Directors

Each of the six nominated directors of Haivision was elected as director of the Company with the following results:

Director

Votes
For

% Votes
For

Votes
Against

% Votes
Against

Miroslav Wicha

11,110,245

99.26 %

82,583

0.74 %

Harvey Bienenstock

11,155,137

99.66 %

37,691

0.34 %

Robin M. Rush

11,121,855

99.37 %

70,973

0.63 %

Neil Hindle

10,794,005

96.44 %

398,823

3.56 %

Julie Tremblay

10,941,969

97.76 %

250,859

2.24 %

Lee K. Levy II

9,084,418

81.16 %

2,108,410

18.84 %

2. Appointment of Auditors

Deloitte LLP were reappointed auditors of the Company for the ensuing year with 12,492,582 (98.84%) votes cast in favour and 146,406 (1.16%) votes withheld.

3. Approval of the Unallocated Awards under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan

The Company’s unallocated awards were approved with 8,710,347 (77.82%) votes cast in favour and 2,482,481 (22.18%) votes cast against.

4. Reapproval of Company’s Shareholder Rights Plan

The Company’s shareholder rights plan was approved with 10,572,490 (94.46%) votes cast in favour and 620,338 (5.54%) votes cast against.

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the meeting will be filed under Haivision’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Haivision

Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video streaming and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at haivision.com.

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SOURCE Haivision Systems Inc.

Technology

Noritz upgrades EZ Pro Series of tankless water heaters with larger, multi-function panel display for faster installation and servicing

Published

12 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

Improved, fully integrated diagnostic interface eliminates the need for a separate remote controller, providing key system status data and enhanced digital controls to ease startup, operation, and maintenance for pro installers and service techs.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Noritz America, an international leader in tankless and electric heat pump water heaters and high-efficiency combination boilers, has further enhanced its EZ Series Pro line of residential condensing tankless water heaters by expanding both the size and the functionality of the units’ built-in control panel, whose user-friendly digital interface is mounted prominently on the front exterior.

Providing upgraded monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, the multi-function panel display allows professional installers to view system status, temperature settings, service reminders, maintenance data, error codes, error history, and (if applicable) recirculation timing settings. All of this vital information is built in and readily accessible on the water heater. Besides eliminating the need for a separate, external remote controller, the panel enables guided setup during installation and faster, more effective troubleshooting.

In addition, installers and users can monitor and program the unit remotely via Bluetooth® connectivity that works alongside the panel, using the EZ Start Plus app on their smartphones. A separate external remote is optional.

“The intent of our upgrade efforts was to create a more satisfying user experience for both the professional and the consumer,” says Noritz Executive Vice President and General Manager Jason Fleming. “We focused on simplified installation, advanced diagnostics, and giving professionals and their customers easier, more responsive control of the water heater.”

Essential Features of the Multi-Function Panel

Below are the main features and capabilities of the upgraded, built-in, multi-function panel and related control system:

Digital temperature control: Professional installers and service technicians will find it easier to use the enlarged panel to set the output water temperature to 100° – 140° Fahrenheit. Temperature settings are available in increments as small as 5°F.

Key benefits: More precise temperature control for professionals and, as a result, safer, more consistent hot-water delivery for end users.

Integrated Bluetooth connectivity; no more dip switches: The EZ Start Plus app enables installers and service techs to perform system setup, adjust the temperature, run diagnostics and share this information electronically with Noritz Technical Support. Installers can even register the water heater to qualify for the accompanying warranty.

Key benefits: Simplified startups mean faster installs, minimizing the manual programming that installers previously had to perform. Smartphone-based control and troubleshooting eliminate the need for old-style manual adjustment of physical dip switches.

Improved service access: Even the physical design of the EZ Series Pro has been reengineered to work more effectively with the newly enhanced multi-function panel.

Key benefits: The latched, snap-lock front cover enables quicker access to components for easier maintenance and servicing.

Industry-Best Warranty

The upgraded EZ Series Pro continues to include three models, all with a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.98, the highest efficiency rating in the tankless water heater industry:

EZ71: input range — 12,800 to 160,000 BTU/hour; flow rate — 0.4 to 9.0 gallons per minute; turndown ratio — 12.5:1EZ98: 12,800 to 180,000 BTUh; 0.4 to 9.8 gpm; 14:1;EZ111: 12,800 to 199,900 BTUh; 0.4 to 11.1 gpm; 16:1.

All three units carry a 25-year limited warranty on their stainless steel heat exchangers, the longest such protection in the industry. Further protection includes a five-year limited parts warranty and one year for reasonable labor.

The water heaters use natural gas but are field-convertible to LP with a parts kit included with every unit. Two water heaters can be linked using Noritz’s optional Quick Connect linkage to double the hot-water flow rate.

Designed for wall-mounting indoors, the EZ Series Pro heaters can be direct-vented with two-, three-, or four-inch Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 PVC or CPVC, or two-inch or three-inch polypropylene venting. They can also be installed outdoors in milder year-round climates using an optional vent cap.

All EZ Series Pro models have received approvals from CSA, NSF5, NSF372, and are Low NOx approved by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (Rule 1146.2).

For more information on the newly upgraded Noritz EZ Series Pro, visit: https://ezseries.noritz.com/

A short product video is available at: https://youtu.be/m5iDn7sOGMc

For more information on the full line of Noritz tankless water heating products, visit www.noritz.com. You can also contact us by telephone at 866.766.7489 or by email at support@noritz.com.

For editorial assistance, contact John O’Reilly or Emma Wurzer at GreenHouse Digital PR, 15255 South 94th Avenue, Suite 500 | Orland Park, IL 60462; tel.: 708.428.6385; e-mail: john@greenhousedigitalpr.com | emma@greenhousedigitalpr.com.

Hi-res versions of photographs to accompany this press release are available for immediate download by using this link: https://noritz.greenhousedigitalpr.com/ez-series-pro-upgrades.

NORITZ AMERICA CORPORATION, a subsidiary of Noritz Japan, has corporate offices in Fountain Valley, Calif., and Atlanta, offering a full line of tankless water heaters and high-efficiency combination boilers to meet the hot water demands of residential and commercial applications. Noritz supports its products with a national network of skilled representatives and employees committed to providing our communities with the finest products and services by helping consumers live a more comfortable, efficient, and healthy lifestyle. For more information on Noritz America and the entire line of Noritz’s ENERGY STAR® tankless water heaters, please call (877) 986-6748 or visit our website at www.noritz.com.

CONTACT:
Andrew Tran
Noritz America
(714) 433-7813
atran@noritz.com

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SOURCE Noritz