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Whether she is implementing corporate policies to attract and retain skilled technical employees or conceiving better ways to use technology to deliver service to customers, Andrea Anania believes that a business-first approach serves her well.

Integrate systems. Simplify the business process. Improve the profit. That's what commercial agents need from their insurers.But they aren't getting that kind of support, particularly for small commercial coverages that generate 10% or less in commission, says Donald E. Martin, founder and former chief executive officer of Cal- Surance in Orange, Calif., one of the nation's 50 largest agents and brokers and now founder of EPolicy.com.

Two IT professionals from an insurance company recently called a consultant to find out which e- business companies they should consider for partnerships or alliances.