DELIVERY STRATEGIES BRIEFS

By Diana Garber

ACORD's newly redesigned Web site (www.acord.org), launched today, will allow for easier downloads of ACORD forms and standards by members. Information about the organization's initiatives to develop standards for all lines of business has been updated, as well as new pages dedicated to industry events and news. ACORD members will benefit by new, more user-friendly navigation that provides streamlined access to fully updated content. Access to ACORD forms, standards downloads and the Benchmark Calculator has been made easier by a single sign-in process, which will recognize the visitor's password and will open areas of the site that pertain to that specific member without requiring them to sign in again. ACORD case studies, regularly updated information on ACORD standards and global initiatives, and information about ACORD events and staff are open to non-members, as well as members.

Applied Systems Inc. (University Park, IL), which provides automation solutions for the property and casualty insurance industry, unveiled its long-term research and development plans regarding the migration of its Interface Technology solutions, including migration to Microsoft .Net Web services. Applied Systems is also giving support to the IVANS Transformation Station, an Internet service providing real-time, public communication for both sales and service transactions between agencies and companies.

Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn, MI) will release an automotive insurance service that will provide multiple quotes for several insurance companies. Licensed insurance agents will provide up to three quotes free to customers. Ford will also offer insurance advice. Although the program will not be released nationally until the end of 2003, it is being launched in Ohio and several other states now.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. (Novato, CA) won the endorsement of the Woodworkers Institute of California (WIC) primarily because of a new customized, Internet-based CD-ROM insurance service for WIC members that simplifies business insurance tasks. The CD-ROM also contains risk management tools, including features that allow woodworkers to report losses online to the Fireman's Fund, access information articles on issues facing the industry, and order loss prevention information for free. The WIC represents 250 woodworking professionals residing in California. The CD-ROM is part of a series of seven, each of which serves a different industry, including real estate, leisure manufacturing and wholesale operations.