Features to Look out for When Choosing Insurance Software and What it Can do for your Company and Clients

The insurance industry is moving faster than ever, and in order to stay on top of your game it’s important to utilise the latest insurance technology solutions on offer. Both insurers and brokers require reliable insurance software that they can depend on and there a wide range of options out there, but what specific features should you be looking out for?

Here’s a guide to some of the best, which can provide valuable functionality to the day to day running of your insurance firm or brokerage.

Easy configuration without expert help

Some insurance software solutions are so complicated and impenetrable that they require the help of outside specialists such as SSP Worldwide, or specially trained in-house IT staff just to set them up or apply changes as needed. By finding one which is user-friendly enough to configure yourself you can save time, money and any associated headaches.

But if you do need to call in the experts then don’t be afraid to if you think that software installation is beyond your skills set. Better to be safe than sorry…

Wide range of functionality

Ideally you want one software package which can do it all. It can be expensive and unnecessarily confusing to use different pieces of software for each aspect of the insurance process, and there’s also the risk that they won’t be compatible with your operating system – or each other! So find one insurance software package that is fully featured and can tie together every aspect of your business, from underwriting and certificate issuance to claims management and billing. As well as making the process generally more neat and tidy, this will reduce the amount of time spent training new staff.

Telematics for motor insurance

Modern technology has given insurers the ability to provide motorists with personally tailored insurance based on how they drive. By picking insurance software that supports telematics you can add a new dimension to the service you provide, and reward careful drivers with cheaper policies.

Because telematic systems provide an accurate picture of how the policy holder drives, they enable a better calculation of risks to be made. Data used includes average speeds, roads used, speed of deceleration and time of driving. Some telematics solutions use a specially installed box to collect the data, while others can be utilised by downloading a smart phone app onto an existing device.

Cloud-based operation

The ‘Cloud’ is all the rage at the moment and it’s easy to see why. If you’re not familiar with the term, cloud computing refers to the act of accessing software and data on a remote computer via the internet rather than from your own hard drive.

By choosing a cloud-based insurance software solution you don’t have to worry so much about the capabilities of your own hardware, as the software will effectively be running remotely on external server. In addition to this, if a problem occurs then it will be somebody else’s responsibility to fix it. This in turn can reduce IT costs for your company and prevent costly downtime.

About the author – Paul S. Sutton is a freelance writer with a background in insurance. He regularly blogs on insurance industry issues for a variety of websites and often uses www.ssp-worldwide.com for research.

13 Highest Paid Jobs in the Tech Industry

In life, it’s never too late for a career change. Today, technology based careers make up a large portion of the global job sector. Here are thirteen of the highest paying tech jobs you can find, all offering salaries between 50k and 100k+ per year.

13. Video Game Designer

Most of us love spending time playing video games, but might not have any idea how the games came to be. Or maybe video game design has been your dream job since you first touched a controller.

Designers use their knowledge of programming languages and personal creativity to create vastly entertaining virtual worlds. The average video game nowadays can cost up to $60 and generates millions in revenue, so talented designers of fun, popular games often earn pretty hefty paychecks for their work. 

12. Data Modeler / Architect

If you have a good head for math, then you might find work as a data modeler. Modelers use applied mathematics to create database systems and improve the transfer of data between them.

Those seeking this kind of work must be able to visualize the numbers through graphs and charts to analyze the data. Sometimes this job title is called data architect, because these workers basically construct storage and archival systems for information. 

11. IT Auditor

Interested in detective work? Information Technology Auditors investigate computer systems and collect info about accounting and controls to make sure companies obey all laws and practices. Working alongside systems admins, auditors insure networks are running efficiently and safely.

They also are responsible for consolidating all resources within a system so they operate at the highest performance possible. It's not exactly private eye level work, but it's a great job for anyone focused and observant.

10. Database Admin

Someone has to be in charge of data entry. A database administrator (DBA) uses software to collect and organize important data, like client or financial information. They have to make sure the data is secure, accessible, and consistent between all systems, and frequently troubleshoot systems when things go wrong. 

9. Systems Analyst

You've probably resorted to calling an IT company when your computer won't work. Every IT company uses system analysts to make sure every technical problem gets solved. Analyst jobs can often be split between business and applications fields and have various responsibilities within each.

Application systems analysts are responsible for overseeing all network operations and use knowledge of computers to fix technical problems and errors. Business systems analysts decide what software and system is best for their organization and have to understand the ins and outs of those programs. 

8. Web Developer

Ever wonder who made it possible to surf the web? Thanks to web developers, people all over the world have an endless supply of sites to browse when accessing the Internet.

Developers use complex languages and scripts to create web sites and can work independently as a freelancer or even help big businesses maintain a functional presence online. They often work alongside designers to create the most aesthetically pleasing site possible.

7. Software Engineer

We've come a long way since the 80s. Technology is always evolving, so there is a great need for engineers who can help mold it. Software engineers use computer languages to create programs that help consumers stay on top of the latest advancements, trends, and needs. These engineers are responsible for extensive testing of their programs and often rely on user feedback to improve all applications. 

6. Mobile Application Developer

Smart phones are huge right now and will only become more popular and useful over time. There are plenty of jobs available for people who can develop programs and applications for mobile phones, such as time-wasting games, banking apps, or small-screen versions of major websites.

Without a mobile app developer, for example, mobile devices like the LG Optimus phone would not have the functionality that people come to expect from a smartphone. If you're interested in a challenging development field where you're developing for devices with limited resources, then this might be the field for you. 

5. Mechanical Engineer

If you're as creative as you are intelligent, you might want to research the field of mechanical engineering. Architects and contractors rely on mechanical engineers to make sure their plans are safe and logical through the use of computer programs.

Engineers also maintain technology in a public setting, like traffic light computers or ATM machines. There are even positions available in factories, on oil rigs, and in the military! Mechanical engineering is definitely a broad field.

4. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Technology is a complex thing. Computer and Information researchers solve difficult computer problems and improve current tech while looking for new ways to use existing programs. Because our world is so dependent on technology, the pay is fantastic. Only the best and brightest can snag a job like this, though -- you'll probably need a doctorate in computer sciences! 

3. Programmer

As you're probably well aware, there are all sorts of languages that only a computer can understand. Programmers have a strong understanding of computer languages like C++ and Javascript and can write software with them. They often work alongside systems analysts, software engineers, and web developers to create useful programs and video games.

2. Professional Hacker

Television and movies are full of depictions of hackers trying to get into a locked-down system. The hacking you see on a movie screen is mostly made up gibberish, but there is actually a real field of work for people who can hack their way around a computer. Believe it or not, you can take classes on ethical hacking and earn certifications in a field usually seen as criminal.

Companies and governments employ hackers who can help prevent illicit attacks on servers and use their wits to take vital information from encrypted systems. It may not be as glamorous as Hollywood usually shows it, but hacking is a great job for anyone who knows how to do it.

1. Security Admin

As head of security for systems or networks, you will oversee server activity to make sure everything is running smoothly, as well as install them and run support. These admins often manage big projects and keep the network connection running well and safely. Security admins are necessary for any major online company and require plenty of experience and a good sense of judgment when it comes to system access capabilities and privileges.

If you spend most of your time in front of a computer, why not make a career of it? With a little training and technological know-how, anyone can find a cool, high-paying job working with computer programs and systems. It’s never too late to learn something new!

Monitoring Solutions For Information Technology

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We live in a Quick Silver culture where immediate gratification is not only expected, but required. The goal of every business is to maximize the customer experience during all phases of interaction. 

Aternity offers superior Citrix Monitoring solutions to enable Information Technology (IT) staff to know what is going on with their computer systems at all times. "Maximize the Customer Experience" The World Wide Web is interactive, anonymous and in real-time. 

Your business needs to deliver these same characteristics to remain relevant in the 24/7/365 cycle. Aternity has the professionals to provide the management services you need. Citrix is the gold standard of monitoring systems. 

Aternity can help your business improve end user experience. Citrix Monitoring can improve performance for higher profits. "Intuitive Navigation" The Web surfer has his own unique personality. 

By monitoring customer behavior, you can learn his habits. IT can find the strengths and weaknesses in your system. Collecting data, tracking navigation and reporting results help technicians with analysis A robust customer experience will be worth its weight in gold. 

The fast-paced modern computing world requires rapid diagnosis. Business productivity will be improved with the Aternity Frontline Performance Intelligence Platform. 

"Empower Decision Makers" Business decision makers must have accurate, real-time data to respond to customer needs. 

Aternity Frontline Performance delivers this with flexible charts, graphs and reports. System management, monitoring, analysis and diagnosis is improved with Aternity solutions.

How Does Managed Colocation Help Small Businesses Transition?

A typical server "rack", commonly seen in colocation. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Almost every small business reaches a point where it needs to transition its IT needs from a small in-house solution to a larger, more efficient off-site location.  Going from keeping everything in-house to relinquishing complete control  is a difficult pill for many small businesses the swallow.  Recently, managed colocation has proven to be the ideal bridge for transitioning small businesses in a variety of different circumstances.

Managed Colocation Allows Businesses to Invest in Hardware without Requiring a Full Support Infrastructure

A common transition small businesses must make is moving from outsourcing everything (managed hosting) to taking more control over the IT infrastructure.  Instead of bringing everything in-house, managed colocation gives small businesses the opportunity to take control over hardware decisions without forcing them to invest in a full support infrastructure, including redundant facility and expertly trained IT staff.  From managed colocation, small businesses then have an opportunity to transition to unmanaged colocation in which they develop their own IT staff.

Businesses Can Transfer Hardware Out of the Office to Gain Access to Superior Resources and Protection

Another common point of transition for small businesses is realizing the amount of resources required to support their hardware exceeds the resources they currently have available.  The most common resource shortages include space, connectivity, and power.  Instead of building a completely new data center, it is easier and less expensive for small businesses to switch to managed colocation.  It allows them to leverage their current hardware, get access to a better facility, and minimize additional expenses.

Managed Colocation Allows Small Businesses to Allocate Their In-House IT Staff on Business-Centric Tasks Rather than Maintenance

At some point, every business must refocus their IT staff towards business centric tasks or hire a larger staff in order to accommodate the necessary day-to-day maintenance.  A simple way to refocus in-house staff is moving the servers and networking solutions to a co-location facility.  Managed colocation not only provides a facility, but also eliminates the need to hire additional staff for day-to-day maintenance.  This allows small businesses to maximize all of their personnel while simultaneously leveraging greater buying power and improved IT infrastructure.

Businesses Can Expand Their IT Footprint As-Needed

The biggest mistakes small businesses make in regards to their IT needs is overestimating their future growth.  Overestimating future IT needs forces small businesses to over invest in infrastructure and staff.  As a result, they have less capital to invest in more business centric, profitable endeavors.

Managed Colocation Allows Businesses to Continue Transitioning at Their Own Pace

The final reason managed colocation is an ideal solution for businesses currently transitioning their IT operations is because provides a logical stepping stone.  From managed colocation, businesses can choose to either take more control via unmanaged colocation or sell assets and step back to managed hosting.  As a result, managed colocation allows small businesses to transition in either direction seamlessly.

It is increasingly difficult for small businesses to accurately predict what their technological and IT needs will be in the mid to distant future.  As a result, choosing a managed colocation strategy which provides them with multiple options is a safe route which still provides scalability and flexibility.

12 Apps That Make Your Business Easier

English: iphone Deutsch: iphone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are a lot of applications involved in the information technology system. Most of them come in the form of software while others are hardware. Among those that come as software, you can download some before you make use of them, while others are used through the flash mode, and others still come to you directly. These applications which are mostly used on the mobile devices have been centered on entertainment. It is very true that the mobile devices that are presently in vogue, especially the sophisticated Smartphones and other IOs, already has up to, and are also very ready to accommodate up to 4000 new applications. 

But we find out that the applications that are well known to almost everybody out there are those applications that are geared towards entertainment. This is just because the world is so stressed that everybody seeks for ways of easing off the stress. But the truth about it is that there are more business and work oriented applications that you can access to and through these mobile devices. We are going to look at 12 very good business oriented applications that will make your business easier for you. 

• The juice defender: this prevents the use the use of business time to charge your phone or the embarrassment of the battery running down. It controls and tweaks those applications that sap your battery power. 
• Quick office pro: this is the simplest of all of them. It helps you create and edit all Microsoft office documents as quickly and easily as possible. 
• Pocket Cloud Pro: this gives you the leverage to access documents that are stored in computers or a computer that is out of reach due to one reason or the other. It gives you remote access to files you have in computers that are not here. 
• Catch: this helps you in taking notes in a conference, and organizing them for future references. These notes are made into ideas and eventually given unique twitter escape hash tag. Sound and picture files can also be attached to this. 
• Camcards: this prevents you from carrying cards around and losing them sometimes. It takes a picture of your cards and stores all the contact details involved and add them to your personal address book. 
• Remote for PowerPoint: this will aid you deliver very clear information to your audience by insuring perfect transition between different PowerPoint slides 
• Skype: This might be the greatest, as it allows you a lot of contacts both with instant messages and video calls that allows you join in a meeting from wherever you are. 
• Salesforce: This allows you an on the go information on your sales details as a salesperson. With this, you give and receive information about old and potential customers, new leads and present nature of the market. 
• Evernote: Evernote is a great way of taking note of events on the go. The good thing about this is that these notes you take on the go are synchronized with many other gadgets, like your laptop and desktop for easy access. 
• Paycor: Getting issues of payroll wrong is now a thing of the past as paycor makes it easy for you. It enables you know everything about your pay, the paystubs, deductions, and also get information from your colleagues. 
• Flight track: This tracks the situation of flights, departures, arrivals, changes, weather conditions or other factors that influence this, prices, changes in schedule etc. It comes in the form of alert for those who subscribe. 
• Swiftkey: For those who make regular use of the office applications, this will learn how you type things and even help you make it faster and easier. 

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