IN DEPTH: Policy Administration SystemsDespite Downturn, Insurers Remain Committed to Core Systems EvolutionDespite the gloom that has consumed the financial services industry, most insurance companies remain bullish on technology investment and many are looking to build out policy admin capabilities to position themselves for growth as the economy emerges from the recession. Indiana Farm Bureau Sees Java as a Bridge to New Policy Admin Technology Tough times have made aggressive pursuit of new technologies less of a focus, and have put a premium on vendor stability. PAS, Legacy Replacement and Honda Accords What does maintaining a 20-year-old Honda Accord have to do with the challenges insurers face in maintaining their legacy policy administration systems? Implementing a New Policy Administration Platform? Don't Pave the Cow Path! Congratulations, you have made the major strategic decision to implement a new policy administration platform. Now what? UPDATETraditional Rivalries Muted as Congress Deliberates Federal Insurance RegulationThe prospect of federal regulatory intervention has reignited traditional tensions, but the March 17 hearing of the Senate Banking Committee inaugurated a lengthy process wherein forces beyond the insurance industry will determine its regulatory fate. Kentucky Farm Bureau Leverages Ike Lessons for Ice Storm Louisville-based Kentucky Farm Bureau leverages lessons learned during Hurricane Ike to improve its disaster recovery planning -- including mass notification capabilities, remote data access and the addition of a local business recovery site in time for the Midwest ice storm of 2009. National Dental EDI Council Girds for Real-Time Transactions and PHR Challenges As NDEDIC's members move toward the saturation point in electronically processed standard dental transactions, the organization has begun to focus on driving real-time transactions among its participants and ensuring the participation of dental insurance stakeholders in the development of personal health records. BCBS of Kansas City Develops Video Communications Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City aims to engage group employers, individual customers and brokers with video communications from Benefitfocus. BCBSMN SVP and CIO Jay Levine Thrives on Change Levine will shepherd claims modernization, user-friendly portals and improvements across the health insurer's technology infrastructure and application portfolio. |
FROM THE EDITORAIG's Edward Liddy: Pariah or Public Servant?I wonder if Ed Liddy misses retirement. ANATOMY OF A WEB SITEJackson National LifeJackson National Life has launched a completely redesigned Web site that seeks to meet the evolving online expectations of producers and consumers. CUSTOMER SERVICE WATCHIn Depth: New York Life's Mobile Access StrategyThe insurer's industry-leading mobile access strategy combines a conservative 'non-iPhone' approach to content presentation with an aggressive expansion of functionality. SOURCING WATCHAviva Signs $1B Contract with EDSAviva has signed a $1 billion, 10-year IT outsourcing contract with EDS, an HP company. DISTRIBUTION WATCHLloyd's of London, IBM Look to Connect London Insurance MarketLloyd's of London has partnered with IBM to deliver to the London insurance market a centralized messaging hub utilizing ACORD standards. 
CASE STUDIESPhysicians Mutual Centralizes Customer DataPhysicians Mutual has worked with IBM to create a customer information management system. Address Verification Solution Helps Consumers Insurance Cut Costs Consumers Insurance cuts premium leakage, reduces operating costs and improves customer satisfaction with Experian QAS' address verification solution. NAMES IN THE NEWSMassMutual's Casale Transitions Into CIO RoleMassMutual's Bob Casale details his transition into the carrier's CIO role, coinciding with the retirement of his predecessor, Mike Foley. |