Digital distribution

Zurich launches technology-focused Web site to support distributors in working with the fast-moving industry.

iPipeline Raises $18 Million In Series A Financing Investment plans include expansion of sales and marketing efforts with carriers and distributors.

Getting it right the first time became a goal worth pursuing for this Hastings, Mich., P&C insurer.

Deloitte sees non-traditional growth opportunities for insurers via a distribution-centric strategy, advanced analytics application and enterprise technologies.

Predictive analytics, customer relationship management software and business applications are the key to carriers developing an effective mobility strategy.

Whether it's ripping and replacing or maintaining and enhancing, experts recommend insurers take action with their billing systems.

Costco and Safeco are offering business insurance to businesses that are Costco Wholesale Corp. members.

Alliant will provide ClearPoint with the ability to bring P&C expertise to its clients from a proven industry leader, as well as an extensive national service delivery platform.

A new study from IVANS says spending on real-time capabilities to continue irrespective of economic slowdown.

New data shows that commercial banks are continuing to make inroads into the U.S. insurance market.

To counter stagnant growth, distribution channels and technologies need to be examined anew, says research firm.

Shifts in customer behavior, distribution patterns and preferences could provide significant growth opportunities for insurers prepared to embrace and leverage these emerging changes.

Finally, there is evidence that insurers are employing real-time activity, and the beneficiaries aren't just agents.

Because the invoice is an opportunity to renew contact with a policyholder and demonstrate excellence in customer service, new attention is being paid to the technology behind the opportunity.

Lexington, Ky. — Kelley Sloane, VP of worldwide marketing for Exstream Software LLC, was honored as one of the OutputLinks Women of Distinction Class of 2008. OutputLinks, a Houston-based information and research resource of the high-volume transaction output (HVTO), industry sponsored the award. Established in 2002, the Women of Distinction award honors the contributions and achievements of the women who help to shape the HVTO industry. Sloane will be recognized along with six other recipients at a luncheon being held during the AIIM/ON DEMAND conferences in Boston, March 3-6, 2008.

Madison, Wis. — MemberCONNECT, CUNA Mutual Group's analytical approach to relationship building, provides credit unions with a direct marketing solution for auto and homeowners insurance. While the channel provides a tool for building member relationships on its own, it also is a complementary tool for credit unions with strong agency relationships.

Foresight, and a focus on usability, will help those converting to straight-through processing reap dividends from the process.

New York — Two New York-based companies are partnering in their support of FUTURITY FIRST, a life insurance distribution organization that will be headquartered in Hartford, Conn.

Waltham, Mass. — Ipanema Technologies, a France-based provider of application traffic management systems for wide area networks, was recognized in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 for France and the Fast 500 for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

Chicago — Tri-City Brokerage, a division of Crump Insurance Services Inc., a Dallas-based insurance wholesaler, announced an expansion of their binding authority group, Tri-City Binding Authorities. The new financial services binding authority provides D&O, E&O, EPLI, Crime and Fiduciary coverage for numerous classes. Target industries include community associations, nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies, miscellaneous service providers, property managers and technology service companies.