Issues with “Issues”

I wish Andrew Kantor had included the other facts I hadmentioned during our conversation (“Issues of Trust,” Editor'sNote, July), specifically, that our clients expect us to have astrong supply of deep skills and to stay ahead of the tech curve.With so many software companies out there, we are forced to placesome bets (i.e., form alliances) and invest in skill developmentwith the companies whom we feel have the best chance of addressingclient issues. These alliances are never exclusive, reviewedfrequently, and offer us the chance to gather even more informationon the software companies offering solutions. And most importantly,we do not limit our recommendations to software companies with whomwe have alliances-as evidenced by the thousands of fact-basedsoftware selections we conduct each year. Furthermore, many of ourclients are interested in who we think will be the winners, forcingus to have a public point of view.
MARK COLEMAN, PARTNER, ACCENTURE

On the Other Hand

I read Andrew Kantor's note regarding Trilogy and Accenture withinterest (“Issues of Trust,” Editor's Note, July). It reminded meof a conversation we had a couple years ago at a conference when Iexpressed concerns about the ability of Trilogy to deliver thesilver bullet of distribution management, and how companies likeCSC might be damaged by the collateral fragments of their project'simplosions.

At the time we spoke I suggested that not all consulting firmswere impartial and you smiled knowingly. How refreshing to see itin print! It seems we are well into the next evolutionary wave-themarriage of technology providers with “expert” consultingorganizations (e.g., Trilogy and Accenture, CapGemini and Oracle,etc.). One is left to wonder who will get the blame if these jointprojects fail? Is it the software, the implementation, or maybe thecustomer's own fault?
BOB REALE, CSC

An Actuary Would Have Been Understandable

Great “End User” article in the July 2001 issue. I agree thatthe industry always has had an image or “coolness,” problem. Irecall the scene from Woody Allen's Take the Money and Run where aprisoner was punished by locking him in a cellar with an insurancesalesman. Keep up the good work.
BILL WILSON, DIRECTOR, IIAA'S VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY

Super Idea

You are right: We need a super hero for the insurance industry!An actuarial type with thick glasses, wearing a cape with specificendorsement language printed on the inside (denying liability, justin case he-or she-screws up while trying to save the financialworld) and a Big Eye on his chest. (We need to go for thesymbolism-after all, we're talking Hollywood here.)

He would be equipped with the latest technology: a handhelddevice capable of scanning the loss situation, automaticallyestimating the settlement amount, immediately transferring funds tothe claimants account, and that also makes ice-cold margaritas.(All work and no play makes Insurance Person a dull boy.)
We could do auditions at next year's IASA in place of our keynoteor even our entertainment. Imagine the possibilities. Thanks forthe smile.
DON WEST, STATE NATIONAL

Doing Our Part

I just got my July issue of Technology Decisions today. BenRosenfield's writing is hilarious. I especially enjoyed “Up andRunning” (“…getting the big cheese to melt over your idea…”) and“Good Fences Make Good Workers” (“…concerned about your employeesusing the T1 for T&A…”). Keep up the good work. You're makingour difficult industry an enjoyable read.
SHANNON RALEY, SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR, SUNGARDEMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS

He Likes Us — He Really Likes Us

I picked up a complimentary copy of your magazine at the ACORDTechnology Conference and am now a subscriber. I wanted to send youa note to tell you how much I am enjoying your magazine. It is veryinformative on a wide range of topics, well written and presented.Additionally, your Web site is easy to navigate. I will lookforward to the changes you mentioned in the July edition, butalready like what I see.
ROGER H. SMITH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARSH.COM, MARSHUSA

She Doesn't

Your “Stats Watch” in the May 2001 issue could have beeninteresting but I didn't read it. I was put off by theunnecessarily crude language of the subtitle: “Quit yer bitchin'.IT workers are making damn good money.” Language like thisindicates that the writer has a small vocabulary. There are manyways to get the point across without resorting to offensiveslang.
BETH MCGOLDRICK, TRAINING SPECIALIST, WESTERN NATIONALINSURANCE

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