Want a Revolution?

The words "revolution" and "insurance" typically are not thought of in the same context, but that is exactly what IASA is aiming to do with this year's Annual Educational Conference & Business Show, "An Education Revolution."

The words "revolution" and "insurance" typically are not thought of in the same context, but that is exactly what IASA is aiming to do with this year's Annual Educational Conference & Business Show, "An Education Revolution." It won't be the first -- or last -- effort to try to force change in the insurance industry. But it does appear that technology developments, business thinking and competitive challenges are coming together to create an environment in which successful transformation is more feasible and the risks of doing something different may be more manageable than they have been in the past.

This edition of Insurance & Technology's annual Opening General Session Special Report aims to provide analysis of some of these potentially revolution-driving factors. In an in-depth report on five emerging but market-ready technologies that promise to dramatically affect all kinds of businesses, including financial services, George Jones, an expert with I&T's sibling property TechWeb, outlines the benefits and risks of these new solutions to organizations that adopt them -- and those that ignore them ("5 Technologies You Need to Know About," page S8).

But, as we all know, technology is only part of the answer. Steve Poniatowski and J.D. Wichser, executives with Deloitte Consulting's business IT strategy practice, challenge the conventional wisdom about operational excellence, arguing that it's not just about cost efficiency, but that it also depends on a strong link to key business drivers ("A Better Metric for IT Efficiency," page S13).

To expand the educational experience, the 78th Conference features 80 technical sessions, two Super Sessions, and the CFO and CIO Roundtable programs. In addition to the 200-plus Business Show exhibitors, this year IASA is presenting the Wireless Connection Center, a focused wireless technology pavilion on the show floor.

The time is right and the resources are available to go beyond the rhetoric and intelligently effect transformation in the industry -- or at least at your own organization. You don't have to be a rebel to take advantage of the offerings at this year's event and drive your own revolution. Have a great show!

Katherine Burger is Editorial Director of Bank Systems & Technology and Insurance & Technology, members of UBM TechWeb's InformationWeek Financial Services. She assumed leadership of Bank Systems & Technology in 2003 and of Insurance & Technology in 1991. In addition to ... View Full Bio