Technology

EPC Group Celebrates Milestones of Over 5,200 SharePoint Implementations and 1,500 Microsoft Power BI Projects

Published

10 hours ago

October 21, 2024

HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EPC Group, the second oldest Microsoft Gold Partner in North America, proudly announces the successful completion of over 5,200 SharePoint implementations and 1,500 Microsoft Power BI projects worldwide. These significant milestones underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative Microsoft solutions and exceptional service to organizations across various industries.

EPC Group’s founder, Errin O’Connor, has been a driving force behind the firm’s success. As the author of four Microsoft Press best-sellers on SharePoint, Power BI, and Microsoft 365, including the official Microsoft Press book “Power BI Dashboards – Step by Step,” O’Connor’s influence on the BI landscape is well-known. His Power BI book, an Amazon best-seller, is often cited as a go-to resource for Power BI enthusiasts and professionals alike, reinforcing the statement that “EPC Group literally wrote the book on Microsoft Power BI.” Errin is also working on a new publication on Artificial Intelligence (AI) best practices and implementation services. In addition, O’Connor is launching a new 40+ hour YouTube AI Series, sharing his extensive knowledge on AI technologies, best practices, and implementation strategies.

O’Connor humorously reflects, “Intranets, content management systems, collaboration, extranets, custom on-prem SharePoint to SharePoint Online, upgrades from every single version of SharePoint, the dreaded ‘double or triple hop migrations’ as they’re called—we’ve been there. From SharePoint Designer, WSS, custom web parts, AvePoint, Nintex, custom K2 configurations, handling hundreds and hundreds of terabytes—we’ve tackled SharePoint projects at large corporations, small businesses, the FBI’s SharePoint migration, the NSA, NIH, the Continental Airlines and United Airlines merger, to a small dental practice down the road. We’ve seen and done it all.

“One of the most surreal experiences was working on a SharePoint project many years ago at the National Archives. After countless hours debating metadata strategies with one of the head archivists, I was given a private tour of the Preservation Vaults. Seeing the Emancipation Proclamation and the first draft of the Constitution felt like a moment frozen in time. Besides the birth of my sons, it’s one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

“On a lighter note, while working on implementing SharePoint at the seven main NASA centers, I got to suit up in attire that prevents contamination and saw one of the rovers from the Mars Rover program up close. It’s amazing how IT and these systems and getting to work with so many clients over the years on just a human level, allowed me to see some of the coolest things in person that I can tell my kids about.”

EPC Group’s journey with SharePoint began in 2000 when its founder, Errin O’Connor, was part of the SharePoint Beta Team during Microsoft’s Project Tahoe. This early involvement provided EPC Group with unique insights that have shaped their SharePoint solutions over the past two decades.

Further setting EPC Group apart, the company was also involved in the initial development stages of Power BI. In 2010, EPC Group participated as part of the Microsoft Power BI Beta team. Power BI, originally known under the code name “Project Crescent,” was envisioned as a replacement for Microsoft’s SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and was incorporated into SQL Server Codename Denali in July 2011. This early engagement allowed EPC Group to develop deep expertise in Power BI, benefiting clients with advanced business intelligence solutions.

Leading in AI Consulting: A Focus on Microsoft 365 Copilot and Beyond

As North America’s leading AI consulting firm, EPC Group is at the helm of AI innovation, offering services that span 14 of the top Artificial Intelligence solutions, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, OpenAI, and many others. These AI-driven tools are transforming the way businesses operate, enabling organizations to streamline workflows, make data-driven decisions, and enhance enterprise efficiency. EPC Group’s consulting services focus on integrating AI into businesses’ existing infrastructures, ensuring they can leverage the full potential of AI technologies to drive growth and innovation.

Errin O’Connor remarked, “Our involvement with multiple AI solutions allows us to provide tailored strategies that meet the unique needs of each client. By integrating technologies like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, and OpenAI, we’re helping organizations harness the power of AI to transform their operations and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

John Cassidy, EPC Group’s Chief Revenue Officer, added, “As we enter the new age of artificial intelligence, the role of a Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (VCAIO) has become critical for businesses aiming to leverage AI effectively. Our VCAIO services provide strategic AI leadership, helping organizations navigate the complexities of AI integration and ensuring that their AI initiatives align with their overall business objectives. Given the limited talent pool capable of fulfilling this role, EPC Group’s VCAIOs are among the most skilled in North America, ready to guide businesses through their AI journey and ensure their Microsoft 365 Copilot initiatives are executed flawlessly.”

EPC Group’s Commitment to AI and VCAIO Services

Building on their legacy of innovation, EPC Group integrates advanced AI technologies into their SharePoint and Power BI efforts, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and data analytics for their clients. By offering Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (VCAIO) services, EPC Group provides businesses with strategic AI leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. Their VCAIOs specialize in AI, focusing on how AI can be integrated into every aspect of the business to drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Pioneering M&A Cloud Consolidation – “Tenant to Tenant Migrations”

EPC Group continues to dominate the AI space and pioneer M&A Cloud Consolidation through its proprietary tools and methodologies. The company specializes in consolidating on-premise, hybrid, and cloud systems—including G-Suite, Dropbox, on-premise file shares, disparate systems uncovered during M&A efforts that were previously unknown, and legacy infrastructures—into unified, secure Microsoft 365 tenants. With a focus on proper governance, encryption, and on-time delivery, EPC Group ensures seamless migrations that meet both regulatory and shareholder expectations. EPC Group has recently completed a 34-company acquisition and full migration into one centralized new company’s Microsoft 365 tenant.

“EPC Group’s industry-leading approach allows acquiring companies to centralize IT operations by securely migrating systems from various source environments into a new and compliant Microsoft 365 tenant,” said Errin O’Connor. “Our focus on proper governance, encryption, and on-time delivery ensures that businesses can innovate confidently while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.”

Key Milestones and Recent Achievements:

Over 5,200 SharePoint Implementations: Demonstrating extensive experience and a proven track record in delivering SharePoint solutions.Over 1,500 Microsoft Power BI Projects: Showcasing deep expertise in business intelligence and data analytics.Authored Four Microsoft Press Best-Sellers: Including the official Microsoft Press book “Power BI Dashboards – Step by Step.”Launching a 40+ Hour YouTube AI Best Practices & Implementation Series: Sharing extensive knowledge on AI technologies, best practices, and implementation strategies.Early Contributor to Microsoft Technologies: Part of the original SharePoint Beta Team (Project Tahoe) and the Power BI Beta team (Project Crescent).Leading in AI Consulting: Offering services across 14 top AI solutions, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, OpenAI, and more.Providing VCAIO Services: Offering Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer services to guide businesses through their AI journey.Pioneers in M&A Cloud Consolidation: Leading the industry with AI-driven tenant migrations and secure cloud consolidation.Second Oldest Microsoft Gold Partner in North America: Reflecting a longstanding partnership and deep expertise in Microsoft technologies.G2 Leader Recognition: Named a Leader in G2’s “Grid for Business Intelligence (BI) Consulting Providers – Fall 2024,” as one of the top Power BI consulting firms in North America.

About EPC Group

Founded in 1997, EPC Group is North America’s premier AI and business intelligence consulting firm with over 27 years of experience. As the second oldest Microsoft Gold Partner in North America, the company specializes in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure, Power BI, data warehouse, Fabric, advanced AI solutions, VCAIO services, and M&A cloud consolidation. EPC Group has completed thousands of SharePoint and Power BI engagements for a diverse range of clients—from small and mid-sized organizations to large-scale enterprise rollouts.

EPC Group’s team of experts is dedicated to empowering organizations through technology, enhancing productivity, and driving business growth. Their involvement with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, OpenAI, and other AI technologies positions EPC Group at the forefront of digital transformation. The firm’s Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer services provide strategic AI leadership, helping businesses navigate the complexities of AI integration and ensuring their AI initiatives align with their overall objectives.

For more information about EPC Group’s, visit www.epcgroup.net or Contact Us at contact@epcgroup.net.

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SOURCE EPC Group

Technology

Omnex Acquires Futurepast

Published

21 mins ago

October 21, 2024

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On October 17, 2024, Omnex Engineering and Management (Omnex), an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based firm, announced the acquisition of Futurepast, Inc., an Arlington, Virginia-based company that provides greenhouse gas consulting, training, and auditing services.

Omnex president Chad Kymal stated that Futurepast will be integrated into Omnex’s Secure, Safe, and Sustain (Omnex S3) business unit, and that Futurepast’s John Shideler will assume the role of Managing Director of Sustainability Services.

According to Kymal “Omnex’s S3 and Futurepast would like to support a Net Zero World helping our customers and the world transition into a future that balances the needs of the present with those of the future. S3 and Futurepast will provide training and verification services to support Omnex’s customers’ as well as the world’s aspiration to Net Zero Carbon. In addition, Omnex S3 supports the transition to eMobility by providing product certification for Automotive Functional Safety and Cybersecurity. Hence the collective vision and mission of Safety, Security, and Sustainability. According to Kymal, “we are indeed fortunate to have one of the world’s experts in greenhouse gases (GHG) and Net Zero join Omnex.”

Shideler stated that, saying, “Folding the mission of Futurepast into the Omnex group will add scale to our business operations and increase the level of services available to clients. It is a win-win for our customers and for the two companies.”

In August, Futurepast achieved accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board as a validation and verification body, and it serves clients across North America and globally.

Omnex has 12 offices worldwide and provides services across 40 countries globally. We are thrilled to partner with Futurepast as we aim to make a real difference in reducing companies’ carbon footprints.

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SOURCE Omnex

Technology

Yale Levy Joins SoloSuit to Lead Growth of SoloSettle

Published

21 mins ago

October 21, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SoloSuit, a legal tech startup helping consumers resolve debt collection lawsuits, has named Attorney Yale R. Levy as Director of Client Development. Levy, founder of Levy & Associates, LLC, a multi-state collection law firm, and former President of the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA), brings decades of debt collection expertise to the company. He will focus on building partnerships with creditors, law firms, and collection agencies to promote SoloSuit’s latest tool, SoloSettle.

“I’m excited to help expand SoloSettle,” said Levy. “This innovative platform allows consumers to settle debts electronically while saving creditors significant legal costs by speeding up the process.”

SoloSettle is the first of its kind—a digital settlement marketplace designed to ease and automate the negotiation process between consumers and debt collectors. By leveraging AI and electronic communication, SoloSettle eliminates the need for direct phone conversations and court involvement, creating a frictionless and efficient way to settle debts online. Once an agreement is reached between the parties, the platform facilitates the entire process, from negotiating terms, to executing settlement documentation, to handling secure payments. SoloSettle saves time and money for both consumers and collectors, reducing the average settlement time from six months to just under 14 days.

“This is a win-win,” said George Simons, Founder and CEO of SoloSuit. “SoloSettle helps consumers settle debts affordably, while helping collectors recover debts faster and with less hassle. We’re thrilled to have Yale lead our expansion efforts.”

Under Levy’s leadership, SoloSettle has gained traction, with numerous law firms, collection agencies, and debt buyers already using the platform to resolve debts. Levy’s expertise provides a collector’s perspective, positioning SoloSuit as a trusted mediator between consumers and collectors.

“SoloSettle is not a debt settlement company,” Levy clarified. “It’s a neutral platform that streamlines the settlement process for both parties.”

Simons added, “Yale’s leadership in the collections industry is invaluable as we strengthen relationships with creditors, debt collectors, and law firms. With his help, we’ll continue to grow this innovative platform.”

About SoloSuit
SoloSuit helps consumers resolve debt collection lawsuits through web-based software. Its platform, SoloSettle, enables consumers and debt collectors to negotiate settlements online, reducing time, cost, and stress in debt resolution.

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SOURCE SoloSuit, Inc.

Technology

Sen. Amy Klobuchar tours American Peat Technology sites for Manufacturing Month

Published

21 mins ago

October 21, 2024

Growing Aitkin-based APT creates all-natural products for agricultural, other applications

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Minnesota’s senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar made a visit to the facilities of American Peat Technology (APT) in Aitkin, Minnesota, on Thursday, October 17th.

Sen. Klobuchar’s visit was part of her tour of Minnesota industrial worksites in honor of Manufacturing Month.

“We were proud to show Sen. Klobuchar how emerging applications for peat-based agricultural products are putting Minnesotans to work,” said APT’s CEO Brad Pieper. “Thanks to the excellence of our all-natural products, and the growing demand for them, APT is increasingly prominent as a solver of problems in agronomy, water treatment, consumer goods, and many other areas.”

Incorporated in 2003, APT uses peat – plant matter that naturally breaks down over time in Minnesota bogs and wetlands – to manufacture natural, value-added products serving needs in areas of agronomy, water remediation, consumer product development, whiskey distilling, battery mineral processing, and more. With vast research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities, APT partners with start-ups and established companies to develop and scale product solutions.

“Whether it’s converting nitrogen into useful gases for crops, or filtering heavy metals out of water impacted by mining, APT’s peat processing not only helps Minnesota’s farmers, it’s also turning Central Minnesota’s peatland into real jobs that raise our local communities up,” said Pieper.

With 40 year-round employees, a 100,000 square foot production facility, and 480 acres under permit to mine, APT is Minnesota’s largest peat harvester. It’s one of several Minnesota businesses Sen. Klobuchar visited for Manufacturing Month, during which businesses open their doors to showcase their contributions to life in the state, and to recruit new talent.

“I stopped by American Peat Technology to see how their business helps local agriculture and creates manufacturing jobs in rural Minnesota,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our state has long been a premier destination for innovative companies like APT, and I’ll continue working to strengthen our economic leadership.”

“We’re thrilled Sen. Klobuchar chose to come to APT,” Pieper said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to highlight our company and the great things we’re doing for the people of Central Minnesota and the world.”

Learn more about APT at https://americanpeattech.com/.

About American Peat Technology

American Peat Technology (APT) manufactures natural, high-value all-natural products using peat harvested from Minnesota’s bogs and wetlands. As the state’s largest peat harvester, APT supports industries ranging from agronomy and water remediation to whiskey distilling and battery mineral production. Based in Aitkin, Minnesota, and offering R&D and manufacturing expertise, APT partners with start-ups and established companies alike to develop innovative, scalable solutions. Known for its nimble and science-driven approach, APT is a trusted partner that delivers custom solutions tailored to its clients’ most complex challenges.

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SOURCE American Peat Technology (APT)