CNA LIFE OUTSOURCES TO WIPRO

In a deal that is intended to provide a more stable processing platform while freeing up IT personnel so that they can increase their focus on agent and policyholder support, CNA Life (Nashville), a business unit of Chicago-based CNA Insurance Companies, has awarded a contract to outsourcing provider Wipro Technologies (Bangalore, India) for the transformation of CNA Life's existing legacy policy administration system and the development of a new business processing system.

Although certain aspects of the projects—which involve development ranging from business requirement capture, system design and architecture to implementation—will take place in India, "there is a noticeable presence of Wipro employees working with our staff in Nashville, as well," according to Susan McGory, chief operating officer, CNA Life and Long-Term Care Insurance.

Projected results and benefits of the outsourcing arrangement include CNA Life's expectation of a streamlined new business acquisition process. "CNA will have an enhanced, more stable processing platform that will support our growing and diversifying businesses," says McGory. Additionally, "the productivity increases derived from the new system will allow our employees to spend more of their time supporting the needs of our customers and agents."

The global IT services company was selected, relates McGory, after a formal vendor evaluation of three top-tier IT vendors. Ultimately, Wipro was chosen because "it presented the optimal solution for our business," she says.