Insurance Information Exchange, L.L.C. (iiX) has introduced iiX CyberPac, an electronic communication and interaction Internet kit for agencies. Internet access and navigation are provided via insurance mail (iMail) modified Netscape Navigator™ software. An enhanced Web site with five sections for personalized links, logos, photos and information is offered to each agency, as well as both the software to create and maintain the site and the electronic capabilities for online photos and displays. iiX CyberPac includes an electronic lead form for easier lead generation.

Each agency site will be given its own Web site address, address registration with national search engines, and a link to their site from the Independent Insurance Agents of America's Web site if they are members.

iiX CyberPac includes the iiX electronic mail product, iMail, and provides each agency user their own iMail address. iMail also allows attachments to be sent and received intact to and from over 80 different electronic mail packages.

iiX CyberPac runs as little as $9.95 per month. Contact iiX in College Station, Texas, at 800-281-8787 or via their Web site: http://www.iix.com.

The United States Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company (USF&G) announced the opening of its state-of-the-art national Claim Reception Center in Tampa. This facility was designed to quicken claim reporting and processing, reducing the time-consuming filing process for agents while providing faster, more efficient service for policyholders.

The USF&G Claim Reception Center uses applied telephone technology, enabling it to deliver streamlined service in a dramatically shortened time span. In a matter of seconds, the incoming caller is directed to a specialist with the most expertise and proficiency in the area of the caller's particular inquiry. First, the area code is identified, and the call is immediately routed to the team most knowledgeable in matters pertaining to that jurisdiction. Further delineation occurs through a voice response menu system which routes the call by insurance category to the person/team/unit best equipped to handle each specific inquiry.

For more information regarding the Tampa Claim Reception Center, contact USF&G at: 800-773-USFG (8734).

Applied Systems, Inc., has opened a new training center and sales office in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The new office is located in the Metro Park office complex and is easily accessible to agencies in northeastern U.S. cities.

Independent insurance agencies in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states now have a local resource that offers them system evaluation, education and training.

A wide selection of courses is being offered, including Basic and Advanced Accounting, The Agency Manager for Windows, Life & Health Insurance Classes, Troubleshooting Workshops and Proposal Customization Workshops. One-on-one demonstrations of The Agency Manager are also available, allowing agents to see firsthand how they can increase office efficiency and productivity.

To learn more about upcoming Applied Systems training sessions, contact Beverly Vazquez at: 800-999-5368.

IVANS has released information about development activities geared toward creating a comprehensive Internet and Web server facility, making extensive use of Microsoft's server platforms, specifically Microsoft NT Server 4.0 and IIS (Internet Information Server). This facility will be used to provide IVANS' content hosting services for carriers, agents, service providers and other insurance-related entities.

IVANS will also be packaging and distributing an IVANS-branded version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web Browser, with their Internet access offerings.

IVANS plans to use Internet Explorer to provide a window into a host of insurance information services. Insurance and health care professionals will be able to gain access to a wide variety of content using browser technology. These services will be hosted on (or accessed through gateways from) their server facility.

ACORD is assuming the development and management role for a new object technology-based standard for life agents and their insurance carriers.

OLifE will allow agents to input their customer information once, early in the sales process, and have it carried through a variety of software applications without having to rekey any data.

OLifE, which is based on Microsoft's OLE technology, works by capturing information in a programming module that is self-contained and can interface with any type of application software.

Delphi Information Systems (NASDAQ:DLPH) announced the general availability of cd.one, the foundation for a series of agency management products that enables users to optimize workflows, business efficiency, personnel and profitability.

Designed for agencies and brokerages, cd.one will unify Delphi's information management systems and enable current and future customers to maximize productivity benefits.

Built on Smart™ and Vista™, cd.one is available to agencies on a common database and integrates "electronic office procedures" for employees, and standardized "paths" for functions and operations, allowing the consistent handling of all customers, claims, data entry and operations to assure quality service and record keeping. The system also provides comprehensive transactional filing support and facilitates extensive industry-wide interfaces and carrier downloads.

Also being introduced is cd.vista, an enterprise-wide software solution designed expressly for the wholesale segment of the insurance industry that provides all the benefits of cd.one, plus modules for processing state and tax fees, claims payable and subscription policies.

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