Exhibit (23)(a) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference into the Registration Statements on Forms S-8 and S-3 of our report dated November 19, 1999 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Xceed, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1999. /S/HOLTZ RUBENSTEIN & CO., LLP HOLTZ RUBENSTEIN & CO., LLP Melville, New York November 26, 1999