A Fresh Take on Making Connections

In our conservative, risk-based marketplace, change is often described as an oxymoron. But thanks to free enterprise, keeping up with change is not only necessary, it's critical to your success. Perhaps the greatest change has taken place in technology, not only because of automation and the Internet, but because it's finally being recognized for what it is: a critical ingredient to successful business operations.Perhaps Mike Byam put it best during a recent Insurance Networking News Virtual Trade Show session. The vice president of e-business & technology transformation at The Hartford's Financial Services Group said: "The line is becoming blurred between IT and the business. At some point, IT won't be the focus of the discussion. The focus will be one of several elements comprising successful business strategies."

This brave new world, one that integrates business and technology issues, demands an authoritative voice that delivers appropriate, thorough information to enable you to make the connection between IT and your business. Premiering in this issue, we intend to help you make that connection. Insurance Networking News has taken on a new size, a new look and a new editorial format. These changes reflect a 12-month analysis of reader surveys, focus groups and one-on-one discussions with a variety of our stakeholders.

You'll find monthly information categorized in four sections that reflect your "world view." Our Front Office section delivers the latest information on customer-facing issues that drive revenue. Our Back Office section focuses on strategies and technologies that boost behind-the-scenes efficiencies. We'd be remiss without a monthly focus on the enterprise. Our Enterprisewide coverage examines methods of bridging operational boundaries across functions. And each month, our Industry Priorities section provides critical information that reflects top-of-mind boardroom issues. Each of these sections will include news and analysis, product solutions, competitive information, and in-depth articles.

From time to time, other departments will highlight our pages as well, such as our Counterpoint column, in which guest editorialists challenge conventional wisdom, and real-world business-technology stories from the INN case study files. You'll also see other offerings, such as Bridging the Gap, a forum for insurance IT and business executives to better understand each other, exclusive INN interviews with insurance thought leaders, and more.

In 2006 and beyond, as you face the changes inherent in our industry, count on Insurance Networking News to be an authoritative voice and your connection to all matters of technology and business.

P.S. Our ability to deliver the content you need largely depends on your feedback. Please feel free to contact us (see contact information at right) and let us know if our new format is useful to you or if you require additional information.

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