IBG IBI Group Inc

IBI Group (TSX:IBG) announced today that it will be using Microsoft Azure as part of its transformation to a technology-driven design firm, and the ongoing rollout of the firm’s Strategic Plan. IBI Group will be hosting two of its recently released software-as-a-service (SaaS) products on Azure. The firm has also developed a series of productivity chatbots in-house within the platform, taking advantage of Azure’s intelligence services, including the Microsoft AI Platform, Cognitive Services and Azure Machine Learning, as well as its hosting capabilities. The Azure platform provides a go-to-market channel for IBI Group’s SaaS portfolio, and the Azure team offers an extensive global network of marketing and technical support.

As one of the key pillars of IBI Group’s Strategic Plan, the firm is applying technology and improved processes to its core professional consulting business. IBI Group’s series of industry-leading chatbots, developed in-house by its Design Technology team, are designed to increase the efficiency and productivity of staff and allow them to focus more on project delivery and the creative quality of their work. Innovating within Azure, IBI Group’s chatbot development team has scaled the Azure bot framework to the firm’s 2,600 staff through Microsoft Teams; leading the AEC industry in chatbot development and adoption.

A second pillar of the firm’s strategic transformation centres on the launch of a suite of SaaS products that add revenue streams throughout the lifecycle of the assets the firm designs. Two of these recently launched products – InForm by IBI Group and TravelIQ – will be hosted in Microsoft. InForm is an asset management solution for the buildings and transportation sectors. TravelIQ, launched publicly today, is a traveller information solution for transportation agencies and private-sector clients. IBI Group is also using Azure in its highway tolling solutions to host customer self-service websites, and provide disaster recovery services to toll operators.

“Microsoft has been an important collaborator with us as we continue to lead the industry in the adoption of technology across all areas of our business,” said Scott Stewart, IBI Group CEO. “Using Microsoft Azure, both internally through our chatbot development team, and to bring our SaaS products to market, gives us a global framework of support and expertise and allows us to innovate at an accelerated pace.”

Suzanne Gagliese, Vice President One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Canada, said, “We are pleased to be a part of IBI’s technology transformation. Working with their chatbot development team has allowed us to innovate together in new ways and further explore the platform’s capabilities. We look forward to continued collaboration and support of IBI’s new product portfolio through Microsoft Azure.”

Microsoft is also part of the Smart City Sandbox, serving as technology provider. Conceived and developed by IBI Group, the Smart City Sandbox unites like-minded, public- and private-sector partners to foster innovative new products and solutions focused on improving the quality of life in urban environments.

For more information or to speak with an IBI Group professional, please contact Julia Harper at Julia.harper@ibigroup.com or 647-330-4706.

About IBI GroupIBI Group Inc. (TSX:IBG) is a globally integrated architecture, planning, engineering, and technology firm with over 2,600 professionals around the world. For more than 40 years, its dedicated professionals have helped clients create livable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments. IBI Group believes that cities must be designed with intelligent systems, sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and a human touch. IBI Group is a lead partner of the Smart Cities Council North America. Follow us on Twitter @ibigroup and Instagram @ibi_group.

Media Contact:Julia Harper, IBI Groupjulia.harper@ibigroup.com1-416-596-1930 ext. 61187or 1-647-330-4706