National Western Life Goes Life with FAST Component

The first component created using Edison, N.J.-based FAST's 8x framework has gone into production at National Western Life (Austin, Texas). The component, created as part of a multi-year software and consulting relationship, automates the workflow for life and annuity applications received from the field, according to a FAST news release.

The case management component is ACORD 103 compliant and uses the Microsoft BizTalk framework today, with plans to support IBM WebSphere Process Server in the future, according to FAST. The component ties Web services, external communications, business rules and security together through workflow orchestrations.

"This is a great first success in our relationship with FAST," comments Michael Hydanus, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, National Western Life. "I am looking forward to continued meaningful accomplishments over the next 18 months."

FAST's 8x framework enabled National Western Life to build the case management functionality in three months with three full-time staff members, asserts Tom Famularo, CEO, FAST. "Using 8x we are going to work together to modernize much of National Western's enterprise systems, including policy administration," Famularo comments.

Anthony O'Donnell has covered technology in the insurance industry since 2000, when he joined the editorial staff of Insurance & Technology. As an editor and reporter for I&T and the InformationWeek Financial Services of TechWeb he has written on all areas of information ... View Full Bio