GuidewireSoftware, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement toacquire Cyence, a software company that applies data scienceand risk analytics to enable P&C insurers to grow byunderwriting "21st century risks" that have gone underinsured oruninsured. These emerging risks include cyber, reputation, and newforms of business interruption risk. "As traditional actuarialapproaches struggle to address the unique characteristics ofemerging risks like cyber, Cyence's next-generation approach willenable insurers to broaden the scope and value of the productstheir policyholders need," , Guidewire Software CEO and Co-FounderMarcus Ryu said in a press release.

In other news from Guidewire: MetLife Auto& Home has begun deploying Guidewire's InsurancePlatform™in a new cloud environment for customers using its MetLife Auto& Home MyDirect portal. MetLife Auto & Home is the firstP&C insurer in the United States to offer a 100-percent digitalexperience from quoting to claim service. Rollout of the platformis expected to continue over the next several quarters.

HearsaySystems recently announced a strategic alliance with Microsoftto help financial services firms empower advisors to be bothhigh-tech and high-touch at scale in the digital age. The companieswill focus on addressing the specific challenges faced by financialinstitutions, including the need for compliant advisor-clientengagement technology that will enable advisors to better manageclient relationships and grow business. The alliance will bringtogether the data-driven relationship insights from MicrosoftDynamics 365 with the financial industry-specific workflows,data and compliance capabilities from Hearsay, allowing advisors tomore effectively acquire, convert and deepen clientrelationships.

Allianz Global Corporate &Specialty® (AGCS) has teamed up with SiliconValley-based software company Zeguro, whose missionis to simplify and streamline cyber security and riskmanagement  in small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).Through its easy-to-use platform, Zeguro will serve as a virtualChief Information Security Officer (CISO) to those who purchaseAllianz's cyber insurance coverage to further manage their cyberexposure and decrease the overall risk of financial loss followinga cyberattack.

Accenture and Duck CreekTechnologies recently teamed up to create several new digitaland emerging technology solutions for P&C insurers that aredesigned to improve efficiency and value. The companies haveintegrated Accenture's IoT and analytics technologies with DuckCreek's core platform and launched a blockchain proof-of-conceptfor medical bill auditing. "These new tools are the product of ourfocus on providing a new generation of digital solutions to ourinsurance clients working in collaboration with our joint venturepartners," Cindy DeArmond, managing director and P&C CorePlatforms Lead for Accenture in North America, said in a pressrelease.

Louisiana-based Aparicio Walker &Seeling, Inc. (AWS Insurance) islive on TechCanary's insuranceplatform replacing its outdated legacy agencymanagement system.  TechCanary's breadth and depth ofinsurance functionality built in Salesforce and flexibility toeasily customize it further were key to the decision.

Speedpay, Inc., a Western Union company,and Nordis Technologies recently announced analliance to offer cloud-based customer communications managementservices to Speedpay clients. This strategic agreement providescurrent and future Speedpay clients with the opportunity to addExpresso®, an easy-to-use, self-service application to organize,automate and execute print and electronic communications. Nordisalso delivers print/mail and email production services, thusenabling a seamless end-to-end communications solution.

See also:

Who's using what in P&C insurance: Oct. 2,2017

Who's using what in P&C insurance: Sept. 25,2017

Who's using what in P&C insurance: Sept. 11,2017