DTCC INTEGRATES LIFE INSURANCE SERVICE PROVIDERSTo automate the sales and processing of life insurance policies, New York-based clearance, settlement and information provider Depository Trust and Clearing Corp. (DTCC) launched its pilot program for InsurExpress, integrating service providers to supply all the steps necessary in processing a life insurance application. Firms participating in the initial pilot testing include Genworth Financial and Piper Jaffray. InsurExpress gives financial advisors access to a quote engine, electronic submission, application finalization, case processing, and status reporting.
PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE HIGH- QUALITY CONVERGED IP VIDEO
IP voice and video solutions provider Prominence Networks, Holmdel, N.J., and videoconferencing consulting firm IDSolutions, Noblesville, Ind., partnered to sell and market Prominence Network's Full Lifecycle Service Delivery MediaIP products, which accelerate and automate the deployment of IP-based voice and video for enterprise customers.
EMSI AND MERRILL GROUP TO FORM INVESTIGATIVE GROUP
Risk management and investigation solutions provider Examination Management Services, Inc., Irving, Tex., created EMSI Investigation Services, which will merge The Merrill Group, Inc., a Jacksonville, Fla., claims investigation firm, and EMSI's International Claims Specialists (ICS) into one claims investigative group. The merger will increase national coverage, with the goal to improve performance and expand the scope of services offered to fight fraud.
COVALENT AND WSO2 PROVIDE APACHE AXIS SUPPORT
Enterprise open source solutions provider Covalent Technologies, Walnut Creek, Calif., has invested in Sri Lanka-based web services software platform company WSO2 to provide Apache Axis users with full commercial development and production level support, with options such as patches and updates, phone support, education and consulting. Currently, a volunteer-based e-mail list is the only support option for Apache Axis, an open source framework for creating, integrating and deploying Web services applications.
TENNESSEE Blues EXPANDS LIFESTYLE, DISEASE PROGRAMS
Health plan provider BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tenn., acquired Nashville-based Gordian Health Solutions Inc., a provider of population health management services for mid-to-large sized companies, concentrating on lifestyle, health management and disease management services. This expands BlueCross' lifestyle and disease management programs, and gives Gordian access to the resources of a major health care company, such as financing, administration and sales contacts.
BISYS RECEIVES HIPAA ACCREDITATION
New York-based outsourcing solutions provider BISYS's Health Savings Account was awarded Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) accreditation for security and privacy from D.C.-based healthcare accrediting organization URAC. To receive the accreditation, BISYS had to demonstrate they had taken measures to manage ongoing security risks and safeguard protected health information.
VENTURE PROVIDES COMPLIANCE AND PROTECTION SERVICES
Decision-critical data provider MicroBilt Corp., Kennesaw, Ga., and attorney Oscar Marquis formed ComplyTraq, LLC, a joint venture providing compliance, credentialing, audit and training services to the credit and data industries. The joint venture is designed to help companies with compliance requirements and aid in the protection of public and private data. Marquis was general counsel of Trans Union, LLC, where much of his work dealt with privacy and fair information practices. He currently is a partner at Oldaker, Biden and Belair.
PRINOVA TO OFFER MDY'S RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
Records management solution providers Prinova, Inc., Toronto, and MDY Advanced Technologies, Inc., Fair Lawn, N.J., have agreed that Prinova will offer MDY's advanced records management software as part of its document management solution set. The marketing services agreement is designed to help Prinova expand offerings to customers with more advanced electronic document tracking, auditing and archiving software, and MDY will be able to offer customers Prinova's implementation support.
ACXIOM EXPANDS FRAUD PREVENTION AND RISK MITIGATION
Acxiom Corp., Little Rock, Ark., expanded its fraud prevention and risk mitigation services by acquiring InsightAmerica, Broomfield, Colo. The two companies provide businesses, law enforcement and the government with data-driven solutions, analytic tools and background screening services to fight identity theft and fraud, and mitigate risks. The acquisition will combine Acxiom's grid-enabled customer information infrastructure with InsightAmerica's advanced solutions software and databases.
FIRST ADVANTAGE EXPANDS RISK MITIGATION AND SIU SERVICES
Business process and risk mitigation solutions provider First Advantage Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., expanded its risk mitigation segment by acquiring Phoenix Research Corporation, Smithtown, N.Y., a private investigative agency. Phoenix Research provides surveillance and general and insurance investigative services, and their Special Investigative Unit (SIU) services aim to help insurance carriers and self-insured employers develop, train and comply with state-mandated fraud plans. The acquisition will expand First Advantage's presence in the Northeast and provide them with Phoenix Research's SIU experience.
ISO ACQUISITION TO STREAMLINE NOTIFICATION PROCESS
Risk management solutions provider ISO, Jersey City, N.J., acquired eLIENS, College Station, Tex. a unit of Xtria, LLC, that provides lien holder and mortgagee notification services for insurance carriers. Through the acquisition, ISO hopes to streamline the paper- and labor-intensive process of notifying lending institutions, reducing notification costs and the expense of returned mail by as much as half, while keeping the transfer to eLIENS imperceptible.
