KPMG ranked #2 among the top 10 leading Microsoft AI service providers in a new HFS Research report

KPMG International was ranked #2 among the top 10 leading global service providers of Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in a new HFS Research report.

The HFS Top 10 Microsoft AI Services 2019 report examines the impact that Microsoft service provider alliances are having on the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape. HFS assessed and rated the Microsoft AI services capabilities of 14 firms based on Innovation, Execution Ability and Voice of the Customer criteria.

Underpinning KPMG’s #2 position, the report cited KPMG as a “consulting leader using its domain knowledge to collaborate with Microsoft on AI,” ranking #1 for services delivery in the Execution category and #1 for Microsoft’s AI strategy and roadmap in the Innovation category.

HFS highlights key strengths that KPMG brings to the market today through its Microsoft alliance, calling KPMG a “critical partner” in Microsoft’s AI strategy. “The KPMG Microsoft alliance is moving the needle on multiple aspects of Microsoft AI adoption and the technology giant considers KPMG as a strategic partner for its success,” the report states.

Said Thomas Erwin, Global Head of KPMG Lighthouse and a partner with KPMG in Germany: “HFS Research’s acknowledgement of KPMG as a #2 leader among the top Microsoft AI partners underscores the continued success of the KPMG and Microsoft global alliance. Building innovative client-centered solutions on the Microsoft Azure intelligent cloud with KPMG’s market-leading domain expertise and AI platforms delivered through KPMG Ignite and our Lighthouse Center of Excellence for Data-driven Technologies is helping to businesses transform across many sectors.”

Noting that KPMG’s global alliance with Microsoft today spans all across the globe in over 40 countries, the report cites KPMG’s expertise and ongoing development in the fast-emerging area of AI, stating that KPMG:

• Is a Microsoft AI `Inner Circle’ program partner, giving KPMG firms exclusive access to AI training and workshops plus tools like Azure Databricks and Azure Cognitive Search.
• Has certified to date more than 100 data scientists in Microsoft Azure AI and trained about 2,000 D&A consultants in data, analytics and Microsoft AI services.
• Has generated upward of 20 AI projects with clients, in industries like Financial Services, Healthcare and Manufacturing in KPMG member firms across the globe.
• Is using Microsoft AI to internally transform their Tax, Audit and Advisory services.
• The report also calls out the strength of KPMG’s “strategic vision for AI,” noting that KPMG is developing an Ethics of AI program with Microsoft to illustrate how AI’s impact on the global economy and business.

Said Jens Rassloff, KPMG’s Global Head of Alliances and a partner with KPMG in Germany: “AI is one of the most phenomenal advancements of the digital age, a multi-billion dollar growth frontier that is changing the way people live and work. Being a leading service provider of Microsoft AI services is an important milestone for KPMG and a testament to our commitment to the transformation of our audit, tax and advisory organizations using AI, and to help clients in their own extraordinary digital transformation.”