Applied Systems, Inc., announced the introduction of a self-help Internet support service designed to provide The Agency Manager® (TAM) users access to solutions to the most common system problems, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Knowledge Base, will give Applied Systems' WinTAM and Vision users a unique avenue to obtain 24-hour Web assistance with technical issues.
The Knowledge Base will provide options for accounting, communications, forms and general TAM. Once a topic is selected, the user can choose from a menu of different preferences. A user can choose a hyperlink to common questions and problems, or narrow down the problem based on a series of interactive questions, which then direct the user to an answer. Or, the user can type in a description of the problem in the Natural Language Search box to find the solution quickly and without assistance. In the event that a user cannot locate the appropriate answer to a question, Knowledge Base will link the problem to the Applied Systems Call Tracking System, and a technician will field the call and contact the user with a timely and reliable solution.
Knowledge Base is constantly being populated and updated by an Applied Systems' custom-built program called Know-It-All®, which allows technicians to offer suggestions for items that should be added to or changed in Knowledge Base. The Know-It-All system ensures that all data has passed a peer review process prior to being documented in Knowledge Base and is consistent with standard support practices.
For more information about Knowledge Base, contact Jeff Lebioda, Marketing Manager, Applied Systems, by phone at (708) 534-5575, by e-mail at jlebioda@appliedsystems.com or by fax at (708) 534-2266.
Douglas (Doug) Allen has become the new chief operating officer of Strategic Insurance Software, Inc. (S.I.S.), replacing Ed Browning, who has left S.I.S. to pursue other interests.
Allen has 20 years of experience in all facets of information systems, including accounting, billing, application programming, claims and reporting systems. His most recent assignment was leadership of State Auto Insurance Companies' successful Year 2000 project. He was elected an assistant secretary of State Auto in 1998.
AMS Services, Inc., announced that Loren Parsons has been appointed its new president. Parsons has been president of Insurance Reference Systems, Inc. (IRS), of AMS Holding Group, also known as Silver Plume.
Parsons is a well-known authority of the agency automation business, with 24 years of experience in computers and insurance automation. Prior to joining IRS, Parsons was a partner in Boulder, Colorado-based Automation Management Group, publisher of TAAR Report. Earlier in his career, he was president and CEO of CAIR Systems.
Insurance Technologies Corporation, Carrollton, Texas, has introduced a 32-bit Windows flood program. Under the Windows format, this program, like its DOS-based predecessor, will continue to include: the Standard Policy, Preferred Risk, Condo Master, and the Mortgage Portfolio Protection Policy. It also integrates the rating with applications, thus eliminating double entry of information.
The system provides a nationwide community look-up program which automatically finds and pulls in the community number, program phase, CRS discount, FIRM date, and program surcharge, if applicable.
For more information, contact Gary Shapiro at (800) 383-3482.
Doris, Inc., announced that it is delivering "Doris Daily Connect," an "electronic file cabinet" to enable agencies to retrieve and view downloads. The system also includes the capability to scan policies from companies that do not download. The system will be offered as "freeware" for a limited time.
According to Mike Mansperger, project manager for Doris, this system provides agencies access to download without its being bundled with an agency management system. It also enables companies to increase their download numbers.
Doris Daily Connect can retrieve downloads with IVANS Transfer ManagerTM or directly through the Internet with over 120 companies.
For further details, contact Mike Mansperger at Doris, Inc., in Alpharetta, Georgia, at (770) 772-9601.
International Catastrophe Insurance Managers, LLC, has opened its Web-based earthquake quoting system.
ICAT operates in California, offering earthquake insurance through independent agents to small businesses throughout the state. ICAT will be entering other markets before year-end, including Texas, Florida, the Gulf Coast and the Pacific Northwest. All products are written through Clarendon National Insurance, an A rated admitted carrier.
ICAT's Internet site (www.icatmanagers.com) is an insurance business operation site that allows agents and brokers to receive quotes, submit coverage requests and create client-specific Disaster Risk Profiles© online.
ICAT Managers has developed a business system that allows its producers to directly enter risk information into ICAT's secure policy management system. The system geocodes every risk and creates a Disaster Risk Profile to analyze the property's exposure to catastrophes and delivers a quote within two minutes. Then, with the click of a mouse, ICAT producers submit applications to ICAT electronically for underwriting and issuance.
©COPYRIGHT: The Rough Notes Magazine, 1999