Joe McKendrick

Social networking and BPM could create a new approach to collaboration across organizations.

Some think mobile devices are the rising stars while PCs are legacy toast. But is that true for insurers?

Effective deployment of information technology will be a difference-maker for insurers.

Imagine the benefit of agents logging in and accessing application processing or customer verification services, or internal departments helping with claims processing or adjusters in the field.

The insurer believes an analytics-based strategy is the future of customer relationships.

No prior IT architecture initiative has had an impact as positive or broad-reaching as SOA.

Effective data management and data quality are no longer “nice to have” options.

However, we now have new means and methodologies to add to our toolboxes.

Insurers are finally starting to stand up and take notice of Lean IT, which has been a staple in the manufacturing world for years.

While it doesn’t make sense for insurers to hand over critical systems to third-parties, there are many other processes that can be handed over without worry.

Even the best-aligned insurers face IT departments not quite getting what the users want, and users not understanding how IT operates.

Not treating data quality as an IT issue and taking critical enterprise info out of employees' heads are two of the keys.

Insurer says achieving efficient, green data centers need not be expensive or overwhelming.

Risk management is only the first of many apps and functions that can be delivered via cloud-based services to insurers.

A more integrated and holistic approach to the delivery of health care is crucial.

Messaging and collaboration, and infrastructure have even the largest of carriers reaching for the cloud.

A good reputation will prevail over all, especially in the insurance marketplace.

For those who see converting to a green facility as daunting or expensive, Aflac has five words: it's okay to start small.

Seriously engaging and understanding the customer is of dire importance.

Without cloud, insurers risk obsolescence as their competitors may win on cost and efficiency alone.