Digital Platforms

Rather than cutting costs to deal with the economy, insurers should focus on distribution channels, customer service and eliminating non-value added work.

A new report claims inefficiencies in the IT and billing practices of insurers are ballooning health care costs.

Insurers should shift the focus of their ads from feel-good messages to what really matters to their customers.

Blaming medical costs that rose faster than expected, Aetna Inc. on Monday cut its 2009 profit outlook for the second time since June, and said its second-quarter profit dropped 28%.

List reveals an enlightening picture of what regulators are looking for—and finding—during market conduct compliance audits.

As competition intensifies and margins tighten within the insurance industry, carriers are recognizing the key to getting ahead is analytics.

Colorado State University predicts the formation of 10 named storms in the Atlantic basin prior to Nov. 30, with two expected to become major hurricanes.

Respondents in a Consumer Reports survey say Amica Mutual Group, USAA Group and the Chubb Group top the list of carriers offering satisfactory claims services.

Despite finding a potential buyer for its asset management business, a pair of the insurers lending units were downgraded by Moody’s to just above junk status.

While the rating for Markel International Insurance was affirmed, potential Aflac acquisition Continental American was placed under review with positive implications.

Though A.M. Best reports that the U.S. captive insurers' net income declined approximately 66% in 2008, the outlook for the captive industry is stable.

Robert Benmosche takes on the task of finding a way to turn around a company that lost almost $100 billion last year, and needs to repay the loan portion of a rescue package that swelled to $182.5 billion.

The new OS promises lots of new features that address the concerns of actual users, but a languid economy and the continued popularity of XP may delay widespread implementation.

NAPSLO member companies and their employees will gain access to the PLUS Curriculum, and PLUS will gain the benefit of NAPSLO’s surplus lines expertise.

Legislation seeks to excise consolidated returns penalty from the tax code.

AHIP responds to brickbats leveled at health insurance companies.

The center is intended to support growing interest in enterprise content management via Software-as-a-Service.

Aon chosen for its innovation, and real-world approach.

Through PEO partnership, AlphaStaff client rates are lower than industry norm.

Insurers need to add security as a dimension in each of the layers that comprise enterprise architecture.

Recent deals for technology software and services

SAAS-DELIVERED POLICY ADMIN SOLUTION FOR L/H/A

Congressman claims Bermuda-based reinsurers are shorting the tax man.

Deloitte contends that global operating models can help insurers capitalize on worldwide opportunities, but close examination and exhaustive planning are needed.

Research reveals gap in health, life insurance direct marketing to Gens X and Y.

A new report details the challenges to covering the food, agribusiness and beverage sectors.

A Towers Perrin survey finds customer experience as the key driver, while predictive modeling has been slow to make inroads.

Allianz Life President & CEO Gary Bhojwani weighs in after court strikes down controversial SEC regulation.

House votes to extend National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for an additional six months.

Nationwide backs legislation to ban texting while driving (TWD), and contends technology will play an important role in changing behavior behind the wheel.

Mark Cracknell will be responsible for servicing marine clients both directly, and through the global Aon Specialty network.

Zurich’s SIU helps authorities unravel “slip and fall” fraud claims spree.

All dozen health insurers, including Aetna and CIGNA, rated by Fitch have negative outlooks, while A.M. Best's ratings vary.

Insurers may be wary of target-date funds, but are keeping their eye on regulatory developments.

Study highlights payoff potential of targeting security investments to support growth.

Seeing a drop in profits, insurer commits to continued underwriting discipline, and “walking away” from inadequately priced business.

It’s said the insurance industry is a slow technology adopter, but maybe insurers are justifiably skeptical that the technology doesn’t meet its role-based needs.

AXA Equitable Life Insurance, Conseco Inc. and Midland National Life Insurance Co. are some of the companies to receive recognition for technology and quality enhancement.

The degree, awarded by the University of Essex, is aimed at practitioners in financial services who may already be qualified but are seeking to gain a higher education degree to advance in their careers.

A new report from Novarica shows commercial lines insurers value user experience above all else when selecting a policy administration system.

First Insurance Funding Corp. acquired the majority of AIG’s U.S. life insurance premium finance business, and may purchase additional life insurance premium finance assets.

IBM plans to meld SPSS offerings with its own, but says it will continue to support firm’s predictive analytic technologies.

While most vendors have gotten aboard the open source train, cloud computing offers many of the same benefits with, perhaps, fewer costs.

Northeast Bancorp's 10 insurance agency acquisitions since 2007 have vaulted it to 60th place among bank holding companies that sell insurance, up from 156th place in 2005.

A new report from Fitch Ratings details its views on the U.S. life insurance sector, including a summary of recent rating activity, current market trends and expectations over the near term.

Just when you thought your mobile devices were safe, a new botnet has appeared to change the paradigm.

Under the new Chartis handle, AIG's property/casualty unit looks to be on the sales block.

Despite taking heavy fire from critics last week on the Obama administration's regulatory reform plan, Treasury Secretary Geithner gave no sign he was willing to compromise.

Next generation solution designed to provide Keenan with flexible, innovative platform to support current and evolving Health Information Technology mandates and initiatives.

Treasury Department releases legislative language for its Office of National Insurance.

Product designed to provide up-to-date information and post-event resources regarding network security and data privacy.

Leading in troubled times requires action more than analysis, and speed more than care.