Distribution

AIM Technology, a San Francisco-based provider of operational performance management software, has become a member of the Avaya DeveloperConnection program, offered by Avaya Inc., Basking Ridge, N.J. AIM Technology develops AIMCall, an application suite designed to optimize the operational performance of call centers. AIMCall's data analytics tool and workflow and notification capabilities augment Avaya's Call Management System, an application that enables companies to monitor and analyze the performance of contact centers.

LAW FIRM LAUNCHES HURRICANE WEBLOGMcGlinchey Stafford PLLC, a law firm based New Orleans, has launched an online resource for companies with business interests in hurricane-affected areas. The blog, found at www.hurricanelawblog.com, features up-to-date information about post-hurricane legal issues, including insurance, real estate, healthcare, environmental, finance and litigation. The Hurricane Law Blog also offers insurance brokers, finance and real estate professionals and attorneys a recovery resource center and legal articles.

POLICY ADMINISTRATIONTwo insurance companies have chosen the same vendor for their commercial lines policy administration systems. Secura Insurance, Appleton, Wis., is implementing policy administration, integration and self-maintenance software from AQS Inc., Hartland, Wis. Secura will use the AQS/Advantage Suite for its commercial lines to streamline the underwriting processes and turn around new business and renewals more quickly. Capital Insurance Group, Monterey, Calif., is moving off its AQS legacy commercial policy administration to AQS' Web-centric policy administration solution. CIG will provide its 340 independent agents across the Western United States with the AQS/Advantage Suite.

As companies expand their product and service offerings to become more competitive, it's common for customers to have multiple relationships within a company.From your customers' perspective, they may carry health and disability insurance, as well as long-term care and life insurance coverage with you as their single provider. It may be more convenient for them to do business in one place, and they'll probably get preferential treatment for being a good customer.

Columbus, Ohio -- Nationwide Financial Services Inc. has moved its personal investor account information and educational resources to nationwide.com. Now, all of these resources and planning tools can be accessed from one central location. The move introduces a new look, increased speed, streamlined navigation and information written in easier-to-understand terms.Besides changing bookmarks to nationwide.com, the Investor Service Center, an online source for account information and transactions, has undergone some recent improvements to provide a better experience including enhanced privacy protections,

Washington, D.C. - The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has launched a new Web tool linking consumers with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans offering Medicare products in their local communities.In 2006, 29 Blue Plans will sponsor Medicare Advantage products and 24 Blue Plans will sponsor Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.The Medicare Blue PlanFinder is designed to help consumers navigate the complex maze of Medicare offerings. The tool can be accessed by going to www.bcbs.com and clicking on "The Blues and Medicare."

Blue Bell, Pa. - The PMA Insurance Group, a property casualty insurer specializing in workers' compensation, is achieving high levels of client satisfaction with its services, according to the results of a recent survey.According to the survey of its clients conducted by an independent opinion research consultant, 95% of clients responded that PMA has exceeded, fully met, or generally met their service expectations.

Des Moines, Iowa - The Principal Financial Group has launched an online claim submission form for group long-term and short-term disability customers."Even a brief disability can be difficult to overcome, which is why we stress early intervention and ongoing claim communication throughout the process," says Cindy Ford, claims director, the Principal Financial Group. "Offering online submission is simply one more way we can expedite the process to ensure the best possible outcome for our members."

Hartford, Conn. - Six months after introducing its enhanced Select Accounts products for small businesses, St. Paul Travelers reports the feedback from independent agents has been overwhelmingly positive.According to a survey of more than 1,300 agents, 96% rated the breadth of product eligibility and 88% rated the pricing and coverage features to be the same or significantly better than the competition.

St. Paul, Minn. -- A study of insurance brokers and consultants' attitudes about relationships with group life insurers shows they place high value on technology and good service and little value on freebies."The study confirmed our assumptions about how best to approach benefits brokers and consultants," says Paula Bilitz, marketing manager, Minnesota Life Group Insurance. "Professionalism rules, with a clear focus on how best to serve the employer-client."