Tech News: Intuit releases virtual expert platform

November 11, 2022 9:07 AM

Intuit releases virtual expert platform; Net at Work acquires Eide Bailly's Sage practice; Lockstep enters AR automation partnership with SYSPRO; and other stories from the accounting technology world.

Intuit releases virtual expert platform

Intuit announced it has launched an AI-powered virtual expert platform in anticipation of the 2022 tax season. For Intuit customers seeking automated digital assistance, the platform uses AI to understand what's being asked, interpret financial and tax documents and rules, and provide clear answers to customer questions. The service is available through its TurboTax Live and QuickBooks Live offerings. When live human advice is needed, the platform acts as a matchmaker, connecting customers with a tax specialist or bookkeeper. Mark Notarainni, chief customer success officer and executive vice president at Intuit, said that the company's modular plug-and-play platform philosophy enabled the company to develop the virtual expert platform in weeks versus months.

Net at Work acquires Eide Bailly’s Sage practice

Business solutions provider Net at Work announced that it has reached a deal with Eide Bailly to acquire the Top 25 Firm's Sage Software Practice. Over 400 of Eide Bailly's Sage clients (a combination of Sage 100 and Sage 500 users) have already been onboarded to Net at Work and are receiving support from the Net at Work Sage team. As part of the deal, Eide Bailly's former Sage cccount management and consulting team have joined Net at Work to assist clients with the transition process.

Lockstep partners with SYSPRO

Lockstep, an automation solutions company, announced a deal with ERP software provider SYSPRO to provide their customers with access to accounts receivable automation software, Lockstep Receivables. SYSPRO customers will be able to manage the invoice-to-cash process through automated communication; enable customer-self-service, including online payment capabilities; and access the automated cash application. This is the latest of Lockstep's integrations, which connect with over 85% of accounting systems currently in use through its AR automation solution.

Zoho announces major tech investments

Business management software provider Zoho announced major new technology investments over the next few years. Among the biggest will be the opening of over 100 new network points-of-presence with the intention of improving network speeds for users. Currently, the company has 14 that run its proprietary software. Zoho also plans to double its spending on technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. In addition to the tech investments, the company also announced that, for the first time, it has surpassed $1 billion in revenue. Its focus on research and development was cited as one of the major factors behind this success.

NetSuite expands Accelerator program

Cloud accounting software provider NetSuite announced that it will be expanding its NetSuite Accelerator program, which was launched earlier this year. Developed to foster diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, the program was initially focused on helping the Black business community, though expanding beyond that had always been a goal. Now NetSuite is partnering with more organizations, including Veteran Fund, VetsinTech, and Silicon Hills to expand NetSuite Accelerator to help entrepreneurs who are veterans, women, LGBTQ, Asian, and LatinX, as well as entrepreneurs with disabilities.