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VuSpex Highlights Passage of AB 1738 as Governor Newsom Signs Bill Expanding Virtual Inspections Across California

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The new law enhances homeowners’ and contractors’ access to both live videoconference and asynchronous video/photo inspections, streamlining approvals across a wide range of residential installations.

WATSONVILLE, Calif. and SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1738, establishing a statewide mandate that expands access to remote building inspections for specified residential projects while preserving the authority and professional judgment of local Inspectors.

Authored by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, AB 1738 passed the California Senate by a 29–6 vote and received final Assembly concurrence by a 68–0 vote. The new law requires covered cities and counties to offer a homeowner—or a Contractor with the homeowner’s written consent—the option to request a remote inspection for all or part of an inspection required by a building permit. This can speed up residential and renewable energy developments by offering remote inspections for qualified residential installations. This lowers expenses, saves time, and maximizes Inspector availability without compromising safety.

At the jurisdiction’s discretion, an inspection may be conducted through live videoconferencing or recorded photos and videos. The law covers specified work in single-family and two-family dwelling units, including residential reroofs, qualifying photovoltaic and energy-storage systems, minor electrical and plumbing work, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. AB 1738 creates a statewide framework to modernize building departments and streamline residential permitting workflows.

“AB 1738 is an important step toward faster, more accessible building inspections without compromising Inspector control,” said Dane Demicell, founder and CEO of VuSpex. “California agencies do not need to build a remote-inspection program from scratch. VuSpex already provides the live video, field documentation, reporting, scheduling and permitting-system integrations needed to put a dependable program into operation.”

The law allows local agencies to establish reasonable protocols for image quality, camera coverage, location verification, technology and connectivity. It requires the remote option to be offered at no greater cost and with no greater delay than an in-person inspection. An Inspector may end a remote inspection and require an in-person visit whenever compliance cannot be verified remotely.

Under the newly enacted measure, California’s new remote inspection standards will phase in statewide, creating a streamlined digital pathway for homeowners and contractors while giving local building departments the necessary lead time to adopt compliant workflows, with exemptions provided for small jurisdictions.

A Complete Remote-Inspection Solution

VuSpex is purpose-built for public agencies, where our team fully configures the platform to match the jurisdiction’s specific inspection policies, permit types, staffing models, and existing workflows. Capabilities include:

Flexible inspection modes: Live, two-way video inspections; real-time on-demand queues; scheduled appointments; recorded photo and video inspections; and offline field reports that synchronize when connectivity returns.

Detailed reports and documentation: Configurable inspection reports complete with photos and video give agencies a clear record of the work reviewed and the inspection result.

Permitting-system integration: Connections with platforms including Accela, Tyler Technologies, Intuitive Municipal Solutions, CentralSquare, Cityworks, Citizenserve, OpenGov, Infor, Govwell, Maintstar, Salesforce, Computronix and others allow Inspectors to launch inspections from familiar systems and automatically attach inspection photos and results to the permit record.

Scheduling and intelligent routing: DaySmart and Outlook scheduling can route appointments by discipline, record type, inspection type or other agency-defined criteria while allowing manual control when needed.

Low-connectivity support: Patented technology supports inspection work in low-bandwidth and offline environments, including rural areas and locations where a reliable signal is unavailable.

Easy field participation: Contractors and homeowners can join from a phone, tablet or computer, communicate with the Inspector and provide the visual evidence requested from the jobsite without specialized inspection hardware.

For agency leaders, the combination of configurable reports, photos, video, results and permit-record integration helps create a consistent review process and reduces separate logins, duplicate data entry and manual transfer of inspection records. By using browser-based links, VuSpex eliminates app downloads for instant virtual inspections. Initial adoption is streamlined through phased rollouts on simple permits, backed by complete training toolkits and live support.

California Agencies Are Already Using VuSpex

California jurisdictions already using VuSpex include major metropolitan areas as well as rural areas, with a total combined population of over 3 million residents. Their adoption demonstrates that VuSpex remote-inspection technology can benefit jurisdictions of any size, with different workflows, staffing levels and connectivity conditions.

“Remote inspections are not a replacement for Inspector judgment; they are another tool that helps Inspectors use their time where it matters most,” Demicell said. “With AB 1738 now law, VuSpex is ready to help California jurisdictions move from policy to implementation with a platform already being used by agencies in the State.”

VuSpex invites California building officials, technology leaders and inspection managers to schedule a demonstration and begin evaluating workflows, technical protocols, system integrations and reporting needs ahead of the law’s implementation deadlines. Visit https://www.vuspex.com to learn more and arrange a meeting to use the VuSpex cost savings calculator for remote video inspections.

About VuSpex

VuSpex’s award winning platform provides configurable virtual inspection software for government agencies and private-sector inspection teams. Its platform supports live, on-demand, scheduled and offline inspection workflows; detailed reports with photos and video; permitting and scheduling integrations; and low-connectivity field operations. VuSpex helps inspection teams improve access, reduce travel and administrative work, and maintain Inspector control throughout the review process. VuSpex has authored 4 issued patents in the domain of remote video inspection technology with two additional patents pending.

Contact: Brad Pennington, VuSpex Vice President of Sales and Business Development, brad@vuspex.com

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SOURCE VuSpex

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Top Data Archiving Solutions Named Champions in Info-Tech Research Group’s 2026 Data Quadrant Report

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Drawing on verified end-user feedback collected through Info-Tech Research Group’s SoftwareReviews platform, the 2026 Data Archiving Data Quadrant Report evaluates solutions that help organizations manage long-term retention, preserve access to historical information, and support more efficient data lifecycles. Google Vault, Bloomberg Vault, and Microsoft Exchange Online Archiving earned Champion placements for their product capabilities and overall user satisfaction.

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Info-Tech Research Group has named Google Vault, Bloomberg Vault, and Microsoft Exchange Online Archiving as Champions in its 2026 Data Archiving Data Quadrant Report. The report recognizes the highest-rated products in the category as growing data volumes and complex retention requirements place greater pressure on organizations to control storage costs, maintain secure access to critical information, and support regulatory compliance.

Data archiving solutions help organizations move inactive or rarely accessed information from primary systems into long-term storage while preserving access for retention, compliance, and recovery needs. Features such as data encryption, retention and policy management, automation, e-discovery, storage optimization, access controls, and deletion controls can help IT teams improve system performance and respond more efficiently to legal and business requests.

Info-Tech’s Data Quadrant is a comprehensive software evaluation tool that ranks products using verified end-user feedback across key dimensions, including likelihood to recommend, feature rankings, net emotional footprint score, and vendor capabilities. These inputs are aggregated into a Composite Score (CS), which reflects overall user satisfaction and determines placement within the Data Quadrant. The firm’s methodology ensures that rankings are based entirely on authentic user reviews, free from analyst opinions or vendor influence.

The 2026 Data Archiving Champions are as follows:

Google Vault, 8.9 CS, ranked high for quality features.Bloomberg Vault, 8.6 CS, rated highly for granularity.Microsoft Exchange Online Archiving, 8.5 CS, recognized for ease of data integration.

“Everyone’s racing to log everything right now, including every prompt, every AI interaction, and every user session, without asking why,” says Justin St-Maurice, technical counselor at Info-Tech Research Group. “That’s not an archiving strategy; it’s a liability waiting to happen. If you’re going to retain that data, you need a real plan: what it’s for, how long you keep it, and who can access it. Done well, those logs can even become an asset, such as fine-tuning a model on your own interaction data, but that only works if it’s deliberate, not a byproduct of nobody wanting to make a deletion decision. Retention controls, secure access, and e-discovery aren’t back-office checkboxes anymore; they determine whether an organization can actually use or defend the data it’s sitting on.”

User assessments of software categories on SoftwareReviews provide an accurate and detailed view of the constantly changing market. Info-Tech’s reports are informed by data from users and IT professionals with intimate experience with the software across the procurement, implementation, and maintenance processes.

Read the full report: 2026 Data Archiving Data Quadrant Report.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s Vendor Awards, including how Data Quadrant and Emotional Footprint recognition is determined using verified end-user feedback and the underlying evaluation criteria, visit Info-Tech’s Vendor Awards page, powered by SoftwareReviews.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, as well as hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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CIS SECURITY PARTNERS WITH SYMERA FOR NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

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LONDON, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CIS Security Limited (“CIS”) and Symera Partners LLC (“Symera”) today announced the acquisition of CIS by Symera in partnership with the company’s management team.

Founded more than 57 years ago by the Palmer family, CIS has established a market-leading reputation for protecting complex, high-profile environments across over 300 public and private sector sites. As the UK’s largest independent security specialist, the company provides premium security services, front-of-house and technology-enabled security solutions to major commercial properties, public bodies, cultural institutions and other critical sites throughout the UK.

Under the leadership of CEO Neill Catton, CIS has delivered significant growth while remaining true to its core values of service excellence and a people-first culture. These values have allowed the business to build decades-long customer relationships and become a trusted specialist security partner across the UK.

Eric Hauser, Managing Partner of Symera, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with Neill and what we believe is one of the strongest management teams in the security services industry. It became clear early on that CIS has built its reputation through exceptional service quality, deep customer relationships, and a culture that genuinely values its people. We are grateful to the Palmer family and management for their trust and are excited to support the continued growth of a truly outstanding business.”

Symera will support CIS with strategic resources and capital as the company continues to invest in its people, technology, service capabilities, and broader UK growth. The partnership will build on the company’s existing strengths while preserving the culture and customer focus that have been central to its success. CIS will continue to be led by Neill Catton and the existing senior leadership team, providing continuity for customers, employees and stakeholders.

Neill Catton, Chief Executive Officer of CIS Security, added:

“CIS has built an exceptional reputation over many decades by focusing on our people, our customers and the quality of service we deliver. As we look ahead, it was important to find a partner that shares our values and is committed to supporting the business for the long term. Symera’s people-first approach, experience in supporting founder and family-owned businesses, and commitment to investing behind management made them the natural partner for CIS and its leadership team. This transaction enables us to build on the strong foundations already in place while creating exciting opportunities for further growth and development for our colleagues and customers.”

The transaction marks an important milestone for CIS and provides an opportunity for the Palmer family to retire from ownership, whilst retaining the company’s independence and preserving its legacy.

Carl Palmer, on behalf of the Palmer family, said:

“CIS has been an important part of our family’s lives for more than five decades, and we are immensely proud of the business, the culture and the people who have helped make it what it is today. As we begin this next chapter, we are delighted that Neill and the wider management team will continue to lead the company with Symera’s support. We are confident that CIS is in excellent hands and well positioned to build on its remarkable history while preserving the values that have always been at the heart of the business.”

For more information about CIS Security, visit https://cis-security.co.uk/.

Media Contact:
Debora Lima
debora@senseiadvisory.com

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SOURCE Symera Partners

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Korean Animation Takes the Spotlight in Ottawa During OIAF 2026

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Seven Korean Animation Companies to Showcase Original IP, Connect With North American Industry Leaders, and Explore New Business Opportunities

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 22, 2026 /CNW/ — The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) will bring seven Korean animation companies to Ottawa this September for K-Animation Spotlight at OIAF 2026, a five-day industry and public program taking place alongside the 50th anniversary edition of the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF).

Taking place from September 23 to 27, 2026, the program will feature B2B business meetings, industry sessions, IP pitching and public screenings at the National Arts Centre (NAC), National Gallery of Canada and Korean Cultural Centre Canada.

K-Animation Spotlight aims to strengthen the international presence of Korean animation IP and create practical opportunities for Korean companies to build relationships with Canadian and North American industry professionals.

Seven Korean Animation Companies Head to Ottawa

Participating companies include Devil’s Candy Inc., LOCUS Corporation, MOSTAPES, PICTO STUDIO Co., Ltd., Studio ACORN Inc., STUDIO GALE Co., Ltd., and Studio W.Baba.

A key focus of the program will be “Meet Korean Animation,” a dedicated B2B business meeting program at the National Arts Centre. Participating Korean companies will meet directly with buyers and industry professionals through one-on-one meetings to introduce their content and discuss potential opportunities in co-production, distribution, licensing, IP expansion and other forms of international partnership.

Beyond initial introductions, the program is designed to encourage continued business discussions and help participating companies develop longer-term connections in the North American market.

The business program will also include a dedicated session at TAC: The Animation Conference on September 23. Titled “Beyond the Screen: Partnering with Korean Companies to Expand Animation IP,” the panel will explore global IP expansion and opportunities for collaboration between Korean and Canadian companies.

On September 24, six participating companies will present their original projects directly to industry professionals during a dedicated Korean Animation IP Pitching Session at NAC Le Salon.

Netflix’s Lost in Starlight to Screen at the National Gallery of Canada

Alongside its industry-focused programs, K-Animation Spotlight will also introduce Korean animation to Canadian audiences through public screenings.

Netflix’s first Korean original animated film, Lost in Starlight, directed by Han Ji-won, will be presented in a special screening at the National Gallery of Canada on September 25.

Released globally on Netflix in May 2025, the 96-minute film will be followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A with director Han Ji-won and producer Byun Seung-min.

In addition, the 2026 K-Animation Special Screening (KCC x KOCCA) will take place at the Korean Cultural Centre Canada on September 25 and 26, featuring seven titles from six participating companies and providing local audiences with further opportunities to discover Korean animation.

Connecting Korean Animation with North American Business Opportunities

By combining one-on-one B2B meetings, industry networking, IP pitching, professional discussions and public screenings, K-Animation Spotlight aims to create practical connections between Korean animation companies and the North American market.

Through direct engagement with buyers and industry professionals, the program seeks to open new opportunities for co-production, distribution, licensing and long-term international partnerships, while increasing the visibility of Korean animation IP in Canada.

Event Information

Event: K-Animation Spotlight at OIAF 2026Dates: September 23–27, 2026Location: Ottawa, CanadaKey Venues: National Arts Centre, National Gallery of Canada, Korean Cultural Centre CanadaParticipating Companies: Seven Korean animation companies

About the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) 

The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) is a South Korean government-affiliated agency dedicated to the advancement of the Korean content industry. KOCCA actively supports various creative sectors, including animation, gaming, music, broadcasting, and immersive content, fostering global partnerships and promoting K-Content worldwide.

SOURCE KOCCA Canada

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