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“SaaS dead by 2028”: Argon & Co reveals Industry 5.0 predictions, launches proprietary AI tech

SYDNEY, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global management consultancy firm Argon & Co is predicting traditional software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models could be obsolete by as early as 2028, in a new white paper exploring the future of enterprise and Industry 5.0.

The white paper, “IRIS. Enlightened AI with real ROI”, predicts that Australian enterprises will rapidly abandon traditional SaaS models as AI application agility, customisation capabilities, and economic pressures force a fundamental reinvention of the entire software category.

According to the paper, Argon & Co’s predictions suggest the following trajectory:

  • Right now AI engagement options (the “experience layer”) are evolving rapidly as users can increasingly tailor how they receive AI insights, for instance receiving a company’s financial reports in the form of an audio explanation, as a series of interactive charts, or even explained via dynamic chatbot.
  • In the next 6 months, we’ll see a proliferation of new AI applications working together far more seamlessly through an emerging category called “AI Platforms”. These platforms could be “cloud-based” (hosted on cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), “on-premise” (deployed within an organisation’s own infrastructure) or “AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS)” (AI services connected via APIs and pre-built components).
  • In 12 months, businesses will start to notice that consumers are capturing more benefits from AI than they are, leading companies to explore how to better connect personal use of AI with their own operations.
  • In 18 months, the lines between human and machine interaction will have blurred to the point where we reach Industry 5.0, where humans and AI work side-by-side in more natural, integrated ways.
  • In 24 months, intellectual “superpowers”, such as Artificial General and Super Intelligence, could begin tackling major global challenges in health, the economy, and society, giving us tools we’ve never had before.
  • In 36 months, software-as-a-service revenues will be so sharply damaged by new AI innovation that the entire industry will need to completely reinvent itself, or become obsolete.

The paper also explores the multiple competing AI forces creating market confusion right now , and resulting in a form of “industry paralysis”, in which many enterprises are currently stuck at AI proof of concept or strategy setting, instead of implementation.

As an antidote to the current paralysis, Argon & Co has launched AI and data for operations consultancy “IRIS” in APAC, with the paper’s author Aiden Heke appointed as Managing Director.

IRIS delivers the functionality promises of SaaS platforms but with the exponential potential of AI, at a fraction of the cost, without the punitive licensing regimes of legacy providers, and currently with a targeted 10x return on investment (ROI) for clients.

It can strategically inform a company’s AI strategy, implement multiple AI and automation solutions already in production with clients, and manage this new category of AI software through a proprietary AI enterprise platform.

Among IRIS’ case studies, one major real estate developer reduced HR effort by 70% through AI assistants, while a global drinks brand cut ERP processing effort by 70% and accelerated content creation 5x with GenAI tools.

These examples demonstrate how what would once have taken months and millions to deliver can now be achieved in weeks at a fraction of the cost, enabling enterprises to remain on schedule and realise project benefits far beyond expectations.

As the entire world races to adapt to the new AI-based reality, decision-making around enterprise software in particular will become increasingly critical, according to Argon & Co.

Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co said: “We’re witnessing the beginning of the end for traditional SaaS, to the point where committing to a multi-year SaaS platform rollout could potentially be career-ending for an executive. We’ve given SaaS until 2028 before it’s phased out, but that may actually be generous given the speed at which companies are racing to capture the AI opportunity.

“Traditional SaaS models based on punitive licensing regimes and vendor lock-in will simply not be able to compete against unlimited customisation, true data ownership, and ROI that makes traditional software investments look like highway robbery.

“And by turning a 6-month, million-dollar project deliverable into a 9-week sprint at a fraction of the cost, we are already showing that AI transformation isn’t the future, this is happening right now. The smart money is already moving away from traditional software licensing, and Australian enterprises that don’t wake up to this reality will be left behind. So the question isn’t whether SaaS will die. The question is whether you’re willing to cling to that sinking ship and go down with it – or reinvent yourself and sail.”

Aiden Heke, Managing Director of IRIS, said: “Throughout my career, I’ve watched brilliant executives become paralysed by choice when it comes to decision-making around data management and enterprise software. But never before have I seen such paralysis and stranded pilot programs as we are seeing now when it comes to the complexity of AI options.

“Australian productivity also continues to lag other developing countries, and this is a millstone around our collective economic necks. Invention is not our issue – the technology is here. What we need is to urgently yet securely plot our way to new levels of productivity through the adoption of technologies like AI.

“In my new role, I look forward to helping these executives cut through the noise and find solutions that deliver true transformational change. We are living in very exciting times because AI can actually deliver immediate business value without the traditional risks of technology adoption. So I hope to turn AI skeptics into AI success stories, creating a competitive edge for clients in a global market where AI adoption will separate the leaders from the laggards.”

Argon & Co (Argon&Co) is a global management consultancy that specialises in operations strategy and transformation. Its expertise spans supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, finance, and shared services, working together with clients to transform their businesses and generate real change.

Its people are engaging to work with and trusted by clients to get the job done.

Argon & Co has 17 offices across Europe, Australasia, America, Asia and the Middle East.

From VVIP to GA: An Unforgettable Experience with G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] at 8Wonder Ocean City

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2025 – The mega concert G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] will take place on November 8 at 8Wonder Ocean City, with tickets officially opening for sale on October 7, 8, and 9. Prices range from VND 2 million to VND 8 million, offering a variety of exclusive benefits. With such anticipation, ticket sales are expected to spark an unprecedented rush from fans.

Having toured major cities worldwide with dozens of sold-out shows, G-DRAGON’s world tour has cemented his position as one of the most influential artists in contemporary music. Now, as the legendary tour arrives at 8Wonder Ocean City – Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, a diverse ticketing system will cater to every fan: from those seeking to stand just steps away from their idol, to those wanting the best overall view and comfort to fully enjoy the spectacle.

For international stops, VVIP tickets have always been considered the ultimate luxury. In Vietnam, they once again prove their exclusivity by bringing fans closer to G-DRAGON than ever before. These tickets don’t just secure seats nearest to the stage, where every look and gesture can be felt intimately, but also grant access to the exclusive sound check session, a rare behind-the-scenes moment that only a handful of fans worldwide ever witness. VVIP ticket holders will also take part in a send-off event, a special farewell few will forget, and receive a limited-edition gift set including a lanyard, card, and photo card. With extremely limited availability, VVIP truly stands as the “golden ticket” every FAM dreams of owning.

Next in line, VIP tickets deliver a complete and memorable experience. Located close to the stage with excellent viewing angles, VIP ensures fans won’t miss a single beat of G-DRAGON’s performance. VIP holders will also join the sound check session, experiencing G-DRAGON in his most natural and unfiltered moments. Accompanied by an exclusive gift set, VIP tickets are both a proud keepsake and a personal mark of being part of a historic event for Vietnamese fans.

While VVIP and VIP bring fans remarkably close, PREMIUM tickets offer another unique advantage: a front-facing, panoramic view of the stage and its dazzling light effects. From here, fans can take in not only G-DRAGON’s electrifying performance but also the grand stage designs, mesmerizing visuals, and every detail of the production, making each and every PREMIUM seat the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the concert as both an audio and visual feast.

For those who love the most electrifying atmosphere, GA tickets are where the energy peaks. In particular, GA 2, located directly behind VIP, is considered one of the best-value options, with a direct line of sight and an ideal distance from the stage. Immersed in the crowd, fans will truly feel the heartbeat of tens of thousands of voices in unison, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The CAT sections (CAT1–CAT6) provide flexible choices for those who want a more relaxed experience. CAT1 and CAT2 still allow fans to feel the heat of the stage, while CAT3 and CAT4 offer balanced views. CAT5 and CAT6 give a broader perspective—perfect for taking in the sea of glowing light sticks and the grandeur of the full stage. With accessible pricing and comfort, CAT tickets are ideal for enjoying the concert atmosphere in a more laid-back way.

As a founding member of BIGBANG, G-DRAGON has long been recognized as a driving force behind the global K-pop industry, known for his trailblazing music and fashion influence. After a seven-year hiatus from solo projects, he made a powerful comeback in 2024 with the single Power, which quickly topped charts and drew widespread acclaim. Continuing that momentum, on February 25, 2025, he will release his long-awaited third studio album, Übermensch—his first full-length solo project in over 11 years.

For millions of Vietnamese fans, the G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] is the fulfillment of a dream, bringing their idol closer than ever. The concert on November 8, 2025, at 8Wonder Ocean City, organized by 8Wonder, will not only mark a milestone in G-DRAGON’s career but also a proud moment for Vietnamese audiences—living in an era when global icons choose Vietnam as a world-class tour destination.

Ticket Information & Categories:

The pre-sale and official ticketing channels will be opened as follows:

  • Pre-sale (Membership & Sponsors): October 7-8 via VinWonders.com
  • Official Sale: October 9 via VinWonders.com and Ticketbox.vn

For pre-sale, fans simply need to create an account on VinWonders.com, log in, and enter their Membership code to purchase. Each account may purchase up to 2 tickets.

Note: Completing the Fan Club survey is required to participate in the pre-sale for fan members.

Hashtag: #G-DRAGON #8Wonder

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

MUSE Maps Expansion into Asia to Pioneer a New Era of Investment-Grade Real Assets

  • After launching successfully in Q1 2025, MUSE plans its strategic expansion into Asia
  • The world’s first investment-grade luxury asset platform opens a limited window for Asia’s most visionary investors to co-create a new financial order

SINGAPORE and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MUSE (MUSE Technology Pty Ltd), an Australian-headquartered technology firm, today announced the expansion of its business into Asia. MUSE will expand into key Asian markets to explore capital alignment opportunities and build strategic partnerships with sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and leading local financial institutions. Through these engagements, MUSE will establish itself as a pioneering financial infrastructure platform built for the region’s next wave of investors.

Earlier this year, MUSE launched the world’s first digital investment platform, using data-driven insights, proprietary AI, and blockchain technology to give participants access to an investment ecosystem. The MUSE platform connects investors and high-net-worth buyers to the world’s leading suppliers of investment grade real assets, with over $150 million in inventory at launch.

The Asia Roadshow is not only a geographic expansion, but also an invitation to Asia’s most visionary investors, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds. For the first time, MUSE will open its Founding Partner designation – an opportunity to co-create the financial infrastructure of a 20 trillion-dollar market in collectible luxury assets.

Features of the MUSE digital investment platform:

  • Digital Vault: Verified listings of investment-grade assets, blockchain-authenticated and transparently catalogued.
  • Sale & Resale Engine: A structured transaction pipeline with commission logic, from listing to liquidity, designed for yield and reinvestment.
  • Integrated Compliance: Fully-functional onboarding and KYC systems, including supplier verification and payout automation.
  • Data and AI Powered Intelligence: Proprietary models authenticate assets, monitor global demand patterns, and deliver dynamic price forecasts.

MUSE to introduce more world-first solutions to the industry

As part of this expansion, MUSE is introducing two world-first innovations:

  • MUSE Luxury Investment Index (MLII): A benchmark standardizing luxury assets as a measurable, investable class, comparable to equities and real estate.
  • MUSE ETF: A publicly-traded fund providing diversified exposure to luxury assets, offering liquidity and accessibility to investors at all levels.

These innovations will empower Asian investors and institutions to engage in a new financial ecosystem designed to unlock capital within an asset class defined by scarcity, cultural significance, and global demand.

Asia expansion on the back of business momentum and product development

MUSE is planning its expansion into Asia, building on strong business momentum and recent product innovations, positioning the firm to unlock new opportunities across the region.

Michelle Zhang, Founder & CEO, MUSE
Michelle Zhang, Founder & CEO, MUSE

“While MUSE is still at an early stage of our journey, we have already achieved significant milestones. With the trust and support of our suppliers, partners and investors, we are now ready to take our first step toward international expansion and Asia has a natural sensitivity and passion for real assets,” says Michelle Zhang, Founder and CEO of MUSE.

MUSE’s entry into Asia marks more than just geographic expansion – it is a pivotal milestone in the firm’s global growth strategy. MUSE will spend the next few months building strong partnerships, collaborating on innovation with financial institutions, and advancing new value-sharing programs with chosen sovereign entities and wealth funds.

“Our Asian growth strategy has in fact already been underway since the beginning of the year. We secured strategic partners and engaged leading investment groups ahead of our launch. These established partnerships now allow MUSE to expand into Asia with confidence, as we look to align our existing investment platform and new financial infrastructure products, with potential partners and investors in the region,” shares AJ Lee, CCO & Asia Director, MUSE.  “The engagement initiatives we launch over the next few months will serve not only as platforms for interaction, but also as incubators for cultivating MUSE’s first group of partners, investors and clients,” he adds.

About MUSE

MUSE is a technology company on a mission to empower investors with clarity, confidence, and control. By fusing data-driven insights, proprietary AI, blockchain technology, and transparent processes, MUSE is redefining how investors engage with alternative and luxury assets.

By combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of global investor needs, MUSE is creating the foundation for a new financial ecosystem where alternative assets are more transparent, accessible, and aligned with institutional standards.

For more information visit: www.jointhemuse.com

UEG Week 2025: Microplastics found to change gut microbiome in first human-sample study

BERLIN, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research presented today at UEG Week 2025 shows that microplastics – plastic particles smaller than 5mm commonly found in the environment – can alter the human gut microbiome, with some changes resembling patterns linked to depression and colorectal cancer.

This study, conducted within the framework of microONE, a pioneering COMET Module programme project led by CBmed research center in collaboration with international partners, is among the first to directly examine how different types of microplastics interact with the human gut microbiome. As part of microONE’s broader mission to explore the effects of micro- and nanoplastic particles in the human body, it offers important new insights into potential health impacts and highlights the urgent need for further investigation.

The study used stool samples from five healthy volunteers to grow ex vivo gut microbiome cultures. These cultures were then exposed to five common microplastic types – polystyrene, polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene terephthalate – at concentrations reflecting estimated human exposure, as well as higher doses to investigate potential dose-dependent effects.

While total and viable bacterial cell counts remained largely unchanged, microplastic-treated cultures showed a consistent and significant increase in acidity (lower pH levels) compared to controls, indicating altered microbial metabolic activity.

Further analysis revealed microplastic-specific shifts in bacterial composition, with certain bacterial groups increasing or decreasing depending on the microplastic type. Changes were observed across several bacterial families, with the majority occurring within the phylum Bacillota – a key group of gut bacteria important for digestion and overall gut health.

These shifts in bacterial composition were accompanied by changes in the chemicals produced by the bacteria, some of which corresponded with the observed decreases in pH. Some of these changes reflected patterns previously linked to diseases such as depression and colorectal cancer, underscoring the potential implications of microplastic exposure for disease risk.

Reflecting on the broader implications of the study, lead author Christian Pacher-Deutsch commented, “These findings are significant given how pervasive microplastic exposure is in everyday life, with microplastics being found in fish, salt, bottled water, and even tap water.”

“While it’s too early to make definitive health claims, the microbiome plays a central role in many aspects of well-being, from digestion to mental health. Reducing microplastic exposure where possible is therefore a wise and important precaution,” he concluded.

MRI Software Acquires Proptech Labs to Deliver All-in-One Property Management Solutions Across Australia and New Zealand

Combined offering empowers agencies and property managers to simplify operations, accelerate growth, and better serve owners and residents

SYDNEY, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, today announced the acquisition of Melbourne-based Proptech Labs, a market-leading software provider dedicated to simplifying operations for property professionals in Australia and New Zealand. The integration of Proptech Labs’s specialised capabilities will complement MRI Property Tree and MRI Palace – the company’s flagship property management solutions in the region – adding expert functionality for advanced maintenance, invoicing, key management, inspection management, and AI-driven automation.

“This acquisition deepens our ability to serve the unique needs of property professionals in Australia and New Zealand,” said David Bowie, Executive Managing Director, APAC, MRI Software. “By combining our solutions, we’re not only transforming the way agencies manage properties, we’re leapfrogging current market capabilities and setting a new benchmark for intelligent, end-to-end property management.”

This strategic move builds on the enduring partnership already in place between MRI and Proptech Labs, a longstanding collaboration that has delivered proven results for over 2000 agencies and property managers in the region. Moreover, the acquisition brings together two companies with a shared vision, reinforcing the value of their combined solutions and further establishing MRI as an innovative technology leader for real estate professionals and agency owners in ANZ. Together, they deliver comprehensive, scalable, future-ready technology tailored to the region’s needs.

“Working together under one roof will accelerate our innovation to deliver a fully integrated suite of solutions with AI-enabled capabilities embedded directly into our clients’ core workflows,” continued Bowie. “Following the acquisition, new efficiencies will be unlocked for Property Tree and Palace users by making Key Automate available as part of their subscription by December 31st 2025. This marks the beginning of a clear roadmap for further integration, ensuring our clients gain early advantages and continue to benefit from sustained innovation at scale.”

“We’re incredibly proud to join forces with MRI Software,” said Rafael Niesten, CEO and Co-Founder of Proptech Labs. “Our shared values, deep understanding of the property management sector, and relentless focus on innovation make this a natural fit. We’re excited to converge capabilities and expand our reach across the real estate market.”

In alignment with MRI’s open and connected strategy, Proptech Labs will continue to maintain its existing property management system integrations, providing choice and flexibility for clients. Proptech Labs will continue to serve its clients without interruption. 

About MRI Software
MRI Software is a leading provider of real estate solutions and industry data that transform the way communities live, work and play. MRI’s open, intelligent platform empowers owners, operators, agents and occupiers in commercial and residential property organisations to stay ahead in rapidly changing markets. A trailblazer in the PropTech industry, MRI serves more than six million users worldwide, including the social and affordable housing sector. Through innovative solutions and a rich partner ecosystem, MRI gives real estate companies the freedom to realise their vision of building thriving communities and stronger businesses. For more information, please visit mrisoftware.com/au.

About Proptech Labs
Proptech Labs is a software development company dedicated to revolutionising how property management is conducted through advanced technological solutions. Our mission is to simplify property management processes while enhancing the overall experience for property managers and their clients.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Amber Keogh
Communications Senior Manager, MRI Software APAC
Amber.Keogh@mrisoftware.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/mri_software__logo.jpg

JEEP NEVER LEAVES ANYONE BEHIND. EVEN IN VIDEOGAMES.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Off-roaders have convoys. Gamers have squads. Jeep just merged those two worlds with “Rescue Squad,” an all-new live gaming experience, turning stuck into epic.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/jeep-middle-east/9359451-en-jeep-never-leaves-anyone-behind-even-in-videogames

Usually, when a car gets stuck in a game, it’s game over. But Jeep doesn’t believe in game overs. Jeep believes in breakthroughs. For two weeks, 13 of Saudi Arabia’s biggest streamers, including Peerless, Ryan MJRM and KLO25 are firing up nightly streams where players team up to show what Jeep does best: rescue, recover, and ride on.

The mechanics are simple but powerful:

  • Got stuck in-game? Type /RescueSquad in the game chat.
  • A convoy of Jeeps pulls up to pull you out.
  • Players get rescued, adventures continue, streams go wild.

Just like in real life, where Jeep owners drop everything to recover a fellow off-roader in the desert, the same spirit is playing out in front of thousands of live viewers online. Players’ frustration is turned into fun.

And Jeep isn’t stopping at rescues. The brand has built a custom in-game showroom, where players can explore Jeep vehicles virtually. Digital flyers invite them to book a real-life test drive, so they can go on to experience the off-road capability of Jeep in the offline world as well.

Rescue Squad is the perfect example of how Jeep continues to innovate, not just in vehicles but in experiences,” said Melhem Najm, Regional Chief Marketing Officer, Stellantis Middle East and Africa. “We are showcasing Jeep’s 4×4 DNA in a completely new space, while connecting it back to real-world adventure and business objectives.

Rescue Squad isn’t about imposing a logo in a game,” added Yara Maroun, Head of Marketing for Jeep Middle East. “Community and adventure, which is unique to Jeep in real life, also exists naturally in the gaming world. So does Jeep’s 4×4 capability. This has allowed us to create an authentic brand experience, which is why I believe the response is so powerful. No other brand can own this narrative so completely.”

As if it isn’t enough to make this the smartest gaming hack of the year, Jeep keeps the momentum going with surprise giveaways during the streams. Instead of just merch, players unlocked physical Jeep Rescue Squad gear: ropes, jerrycans, shovels, and towing hooks. Tools for real-world adventure.

For many, it is their first taste of what makes Jeep unique: the sense of belonging that comes with being part of something bigger than oneself.

Gamers are used to hitting restart when they’re stuck. Jeep players don’t restart, they regroup,” said Tuki Ghiassi, Executive Creative Director, Publicis Middle East. “Rescue Squad flips one of gaming’s biggest frustrations into surprise and community. That’s pure Jeep DNA.

One second you’re stuck. The next, you’re surprised by your favorite gamer in a Jeep rescuing you.

Rescue Squad comes hot on the heels of the Esports World Cup, held in Saudi Arabia in August. The country’s gaming and esports industry is experiencing explosive growth, driven by massive government investment and a young, tech-savvy population. (Sources: Economy Middle East, Vision 2030)

For Jeep, the experiment proves that the brand isn’t locked to rocky trails or desert dunes. It thrives anywhere there’s a challenge to face. And this is how Jeep entered the gaming world.

With Rescue Squad, Jeep shows gamers what off-roaders have known for decades: getting stuck isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning of the story.

Contact:

Yara Maroun (Head of Marketing, Jeep), +971551045298

 

Jeep Rescue Squad, a role-play videogame with missions and races where influencers rescue people who’s virtual cars get stuck.

 

JEEP NEVER LEAVES ANYONE BEHIND. EVEN IN VIDEOGAMES.
JEEP NEVER LEAVES ANYONE BEHIND. EVEN IN VIDEOGAMES.

   

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2787774/Jeep_rescue_squad_main_video.mp4

MPF Powers a Mission-Critical Rebuild of Bridge2Practise: From Legacy Chaos to a Future-Ready Clinical Education Platform

SYDNEY, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Miroma Project Factory (MPF) has partnered with the University of Sydney to deliver a high-stakes, deeply technical modernisation of Bridge2Practise—a clinical skills training platform used by medical students and educators to simulate and assess procedural learning.

MPF rebuilds Bridge2Practise, transforming clinical education with modern technology and improved usability
MPF rebuilds Bridge2Practise, transforming clinical education with modern technology and improved usability

Behind the scenes, Bridge2Practise was running on a five-year-old version of MeteorJS, linked to a deprecated database platform, with manual deployments, missing infrastructure documentation, and broken user flows. A growing backlog of bugs, performance issues, and unfulfilled feature requests had placed the platform under increasing operational strain.

This extensive rebuild transformed Bridge2Practise from a brittle, developer-dependent system to a scalable, maintainable platform ready for continued innovation.

“Miroma came to our rescue, brilliantly responding to our immediate needs to sustain the platform, while supporting us to continuously improve the user experience with improved design and clever intuitive additions. Their agile and immediate problem solving has meant B2P has been free from any outages, and student/instructor support has been delivered globally within the promised timeframes. Our students continue to have improved learning outcomes using B2P and we are thrilled to have an ongoing partnership with them to elevate the product to commercialisation.” said Dr Cate Madill, Associate Professor, at the University of Sydney.

MPF’s work was both urgent and surgical. Over the course of the engagement, the team:

  • Recovered lost server configurations and redeployed a staging environment from a production AMI clone.
  • Migrated all platform data from the deprecated Compose service to MongoDB Atlas with zero loss.
  • Incrementally upgraded MeteorJS from version 1.4.3.2 to 2.8.1—spanning nearly a decade of framework evolution—while preserving critical functionality.
  • Set up modern CI/CD pipelines using AWS ECS and GitHub Actions to future-proof ongoing development.
  • Conducted end-to-end QA and performance checks throughout the upgrade process, ensuring platform integrity at every step.

“At Miroma Project Factory, we thrive on turning complex, high-stakes challenges into stable, scalable solutions,” said Katherine Robinson, Global CEO of Miroma Project Factory. “Bridge2Practise wasn’t just a rebuild, it was a rescue mission. Our team worked hand-in-hand with Cate and her team at the University of Sydney to stabilise a critical platform for clinical education, while laying the groundwork for future innovation. This project reflects what we do best: making technology more resilient and intuitive.  Ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.”

Following the infrastructure transformation, MPF responded to a series of long-standing enhancement requests from platform stakeholders. These enhancements were prioritised to address known pain points for educators and students alike, and delivered in close collaboration with the University’s team – laying the foundation for a more intuitive, data-informed platform experience, with additional improvements planned under ongoing support.

Bridge2Practise is now fully operational, faster, and better equipped to support digital clinical education at scale. MPF remains the digital delivery partner, supporting ongoing enhancements as part of a structured support agreement.These new features were designed to improve usability for instructors, admins, and students alike, including:

  • Auto-archiving for inactive groups, including time-based reminders and admin override access.
  • A new admin analytics dashboard, providing insights into usage patterns, activity uptake, and data uploads.
  • Comparison video tooltips within clinical assessment forms to assist learning via reference media.
  • Written feedback tools for instructors to leave contextual guidance on tagging tasks.
  • A new student view impersonation feature, allowing instructors to preview content from the learner’s perspective.
  • Early groundwork for automated scoring logic, replicating current Excel-based macros for assignment marking.

About Bridge2Practise

Bridge2Practise is a simulation-based digital training platform developed by the University of Sydney to help medical students and health professionals build clinical decision-making skills. The platform offers structured scenarios, video-based assessments, tagging tasks, and feedback tools for educators and learners across a range of procedures and competencies.

About Miroma Project Factory (MPF)

MPF is a multi-award-winning digital strategy and product studio that delivers innovative digital solutions across web, platforms, and systems. Specialising in purposeful technology, MPF works at the intersection of strategy, design, and engineering to create impactful digital products for organisations ready to lead. With deep expertise in healthcare, MPF helps clients scale responsibly, communicate clearly, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. For more information, visit www.theprojectfactory.com.

For media enquiries, interviews or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Miroma Project Factory
info@theprojectfactory.com

Avalara Extends AI Leadership with Avi Everywhere, MCP Servers, and Global Compliance Innovations

By embedding AI agents and MCP servers into enterprise compliance workflows, Avalara is evolving compliance into a smart, interoperable global framework, that operates at unprecedented scale

DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Avalara, Inc., the agentic tax and compliance leader, today announced breakthroughs in enterprise compliance: Avi, Avalara’s AI agent is now embedded directly where users work; cutting-edge Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers provide easy access to Avalara’s AI-powered platform; and a series of AI innovations are newly available in its product suite.

Avi Everywhere
Avi Everywhere

 

These capabilities enable third-party agents and systems to more seamlessly discover and connect with APIs across Avalara’s ecosystem, embedding compliance directly into customer workflows and systems. The result is a shift from isolated features to a fully interoperable framework that ensures compliance happens wherever business happens.

“Compliance is no longer a back-office burden, but a mission-critical function,” said Scott McFarlane, CEO and Co-Founder of Avalara. “With Avalara’s agentic solutions, our customers are cutting filing times from days to hours, reducing compliance risk, and freeing teams to focus on growth.”

Avi Everywhere, Compliance at the Point of Work Powered by Agents

Avalara’s AI agent, Avi, is now embedded directly where users work, observing, advising, and executing compliance for daily workflows:

  • Avi Browser Extension: Guides users interactively through ERP configurations and detects compliance actions on the fly (e.g. “do you need an exemption certificate for the vendor you just added?”). It is also there to answer any compliance-related questions users may have with Avalara’s industry-leading content.
  • Avi in Outlook: Scans inbound invoices, digitizes and validates them for taxes, duties, tariffs, and certificates, then integrates results into ERP systems. This reduces invoice processing costs while catching compliance risks earlier.

MCP Servers: The Backbone of Intelligent Interoperable Compliance

Avalara pioneered cloud-based tax automation and quickly rose to market leadership over the past two decades. Now, as agentic AI reshapes enterprise software, Avalara is once again first to transform the category with an agentic operating model built on MCP servers, enterprise LLMs, domain-specific SLMs, AI agents, and the most expansive compliance content network—all residing in the market’s most resilient, scalable, performant, multi-cloud platform.

Third-party agents and systems can connect to Avalara’s MCP servers to discover and call APIs across Avalara’s platform, enabling applications to connect more seamlessly and extend functionality. By embedding AI agents and MCP servers into enterprise workflows, Avalara is evolving compliance into a smart, interoperable framework, extending trusted category intelligence across global systems at unprecedented scale.

New Enterprise-Grade AI Features

Avalara is introducing a series of new AI-driven capabilities including:

  • Advanced Rules with AI Visualization – Users can now create, edit, and visualize compliance rules through natural language prompts. Whether writing an entire rule, tweaking logic, or seeking AI-driven recommendations, compliance teams gain unprecedented precision, speed, and control.
  • AI-Powered Reporting and Insights – Avalara’s reporting suite has been reinvented with embedded AI. New intelligence surfaces anomalies, highlights trends, and generates custom reports and visualizations—helping finance teams move from reactive reporting to proactive compliance management.
  • AI-Driven Global E-Invoicing – Avalara is using AI to auto-map standardized invoice fields to country-specific compliance requirements worldwide. Customers face only minimal customizations, supported by visual mapping tools—accelerating time-to-compliance while helping to ensure greater accuracy across global jurisdictions.

These enterprise-grade capabilities reinforce Avalara’s leadership in compliance automation, as recognized in the IDC MarketScape Report: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled SaaS Sales and Use Tax Automation Software for Enterprise 2024 Vendor Assessment.

Expanded AI Capabilities
Avalara is also extending its agentic platform across new compliance domains:

  • Exemption Certificate Validation – Digitizes and validates certificates with AI, preventing costly audit exposure.
  • Cross-Border Classification – Determines harmonized system (HS) codes and flags trade restrictions, solving two of the toughest challenges in global trade.
  • Generative Tax Research – Provides compliance-critical answers with authoritative citations, leveraging Avalara’s unrivaled tax content for accuracy that eclipses generic AI models.
  • Property Tax – Offers AI-driven classification of fixed assets and geography assignment.

“The AI-powered search in Avalara Tax Research has been a game changer, cutting my research time by more than 80 percent,” said Dakota Cox, Accounts Payable at Averitt Express, an Avalara customer.

Ecosystem and Market Rollout

Avalara is driving adoption of these innovations through its partner and customer networks:

  • Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Registry: Avalara will register Avi in Google AgentSpace and in other registries, making Avalara’s tax and compliance capabilities discoverable to other enterprise AI systems, helping to ensure they can be invoked wherever businesses operate.
  • MCP Server Registries: Avalara will register its MCP servers in many popular marketplaces and registries for discovery and inclusion in customer agentic workflows.
  • Face-to-Face Meetings: Avalara account managers are in the field meeting with partners and VARs, demonstrating new capabilities and educating customers on their impact.
  • Avalara Events: The company is hosting events for developers, partners, and customers to gain hands-on access to Avalara’s latest offerings.

About Avalara
Avalara is the agentic tax and compliance leader. For more than two decades, Avalara has developed one of the most expansive libraries of tax content and integrations in the industry, supporting over 43,000 businesses and government entities across more than 75 countries. The company’s purpose-built AI agents automate end-to-end compliance processes with greater precision, from tax calculations and return filings to exemption certificate management and beyond. For more information, visit Avalara.com.

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