ACT Opens Site For Tech Updates, Comparisons

NU Online News Service, May 24, 11:49 a.m.EDT?Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Americaannounced a new Web-based service called ACTtech that providesupdates and comparisons of vendors' and carriers' latest technologyofferings.[@@]

The system is a product of the Agents Council for Technology andcan be accessed at the IIABA site at www.independentagent.com.

ACT is a partnership of independent agents, companies andtechnology vendors, users groups, and associations dedicated toenhancing the use of technology.

IIABA said ACT had formed a team to create the ACTtechcapability center. The site allows agents and brokers to researchthe real-time interface functionality of carriers and vendors andto obtain information about what companies are downloading.

ACTtech, according to IIABA, will allow users to get importantupdates on industry technology developments at one site.

The organization said ACT collaborated with InsuranceWorkz todevelop the new capability center, and future enhancements areplanned.

IIABA said insurance carriers and vendors are encouraged toregister on the site and enter information regarding their agencyinterface technology.

"With a large group of committed individuals representingagencies, carriers, vendors and InsuranceWorkz, we were able tobring this capability to the industry," said Linda Dodson,communications chair of ACT's Agency Company Communications WorkingGroup.

Although the service is in its first phase, Ms. Dodson saidagents and brokers can immediately use the site to understand thetools that their carriers and vendors are offering. They also canobtain contact information and understand the services that areavailable.

Jeff Sartin, chief executive officer of InsuranceWorkz, said,"The service is a one-stop resource for agencies and brokeragefirms to evaluate vendor and carrier automation capabilities.

"ACTtech gives immediate and detailed information regardingautomation choices and offers comparisons of the interfacetechnology offered, allowing an agent or broker to be wellinformed."

Mr. Dodson said the site features a customized report thatallows agents to view exactly what their carriers are doing withrespect to the agent's particular agency management system.

ACT provides a forum to address the critical technology issuesfacing the independent agency system. ACT helps participantsunderstand the perspectives of the other stakeholders in thetechnology process.