Tech Talk News

Vertafore Partners to Expand Cloud, Data, Mobile Offerings

Insurance software provider Vertafore announced three new partnerships to expand its end-to-end technology offerings for the cloud, data, and mobile spaces at its user conference, NetVU15, now taking place in Indianapolis through Saturday. The company said the new partnerships are …

The Best Apps and Why for Independent Agents

There appears to be little dispute among agents about the importance of going mobile, particularly for younger clients who expect it. What’s in doubt, however, is which mobile applications, or apps, make the most sense for agents to use, both …

When It Comes to Mobile for Independent Agents It’s the App that Counts

Have agents reached a tipping point when it comes to making their services accessible with a smartphone? Some believe the independent agent still has time to adapt. Others argue that those who wait will be run over by competitors – …

Predictions on the Demise of the Independent Agent Are Premature Yet …

This column has covered a number of important technology issues facing agents, including security, social media, mobile technology, and the customer experience. A groundbreaking study issued last month and an equally sobering and hotly discussed report from last year makes …

Customer Experience Makes Bigger Impact Than Policy, Claims

Many agents understand in principle that “customer experience” is the sum total of an agency’s interactions with prospects and policyholders. In practice, however, customer service often ends up focusing more on the policy transaction and claims, and less on what …

How to Protect Your Agency’s Digital Security

Most agencies can’t afford to employ an information technology (IT) specialist. Luckily when it comes to most security and privacy issues, they may not need one. Most agency systems have built-in protections. However, agents need to stay vigilant, focused and …

Agents Keep Up: How People Use Mobile Technology to Communicate and More

An agent’s technological plate is so full it may seem impossible to decide where to start. Experts agree that embracing mobile needs to take top priority for two critical tasks: to mobile-optimize the agency website and streamline clients’ access to …

Measuring Agency Performance Can’t Be Done with Technology Alone

Bruce Cochrane of the Renaissance Alliance says agents have to measure everything to stay competitive, however that does not mean relying on technology alone, according to experts who work with and for agencies. “Many principals make the mistake of believing …

Agents’ Use of Technology Is About Attitude

Technology overload is a common lament among independent agents, who face a growing list of challenges in how to use it effectively. According to leaders on the front lines, however, the number one technology issue is not privacy, security, the …

The Upcoming Windows XP Apocalypse

The end of the world is coming. The world of Windows XP that is. A significant event is happening in the technology industry that will affect insurance agents. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP. Yes, …