Issues with “Issues”

I wish Andrew Kantor had included the other facts I had mentioned during our conversation (“Issues of Trust,” Editor's Note, July), specifically, that our clients expect us to have a strong supply of deep skills and to stay ahead of the tech curve. With so many software companies out there, we are forced to place some bets (i.e., form alliances) and invest in skill development with the companies whom we feel have the best chance of addressing client issues. These alliances are never exclusive, reviewed frequently, and offer us the chance to gather even more information on the software companies offering solutions. And most importantly, we do not limit our recommendations to software companies with whom we have alliances-as evidenced by the thousands of fact-based software selections we conduct each year. Furthermore, many of our clients are interested in who we think will be the winners, forcing us 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 with interest (“Issues of Trust,” Editor's Note, July). It reminded me of a conversation we had a couple years ago at a conference when I expressed concerns about the ability of Trilogy to deliver the silver bullet of distribution management, and how companies like CSC might be damaged by the collateral fragments of their project's implosions.

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

An Actuary Would Have Been Understandable

Great “End User” article in the July 2001 issue. I agree that the industry always has had an image or “coolness,” problem. I recall the scene from Woody Allen's Take the Money and Run where a prisoner was punished by locking him in a cellar with an insurance salesman. 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 specific endorsement language printed on the inside (denying liability, just in case he-or she-screws up while trying to save the financial world) and a Big Eye on his chest. (We need to go for the symbolism-after all, we're talking Hollywood here.)

He would be equipped with the latest technology: a handheld device capable of scanning the loss situation, automatically estimating the settlement amount, immediately transferring funds to the 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 keynote or even our entertainment. Imagine the possibilities. Thanks for the smile.
DON WEST, STATE NATIONAL

Doing Our Part

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

He Likes Us — He Really Likes Us

I picked up a complimentary copy of your magazine at the ACORD Technology Conference and am now a subscriber. I wanted to send you a note to tell you how much I am enjoying your magazine. It is very informative on a wide range of topics, well written and presented. Additionally, your Web site is easy to navigate. I will look forward to the changes you mentioned in the July edition, but already like what I see.
ROGER H. SMITH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARSH.COM, MARSH USA

She Doesn't

Your “Stats Watch” in the May 2001 issue could have been interesting but I didn't read it. I was put off by the unnecessarily crude language of the subtitle: “Quit yer bitchin'. IT workers are making damn good money.” Language like this indicates that the writer has a small vocabulary. There are many ways to get the point across without resorting to offensive slang.
BETH MCGOLDRICK, TRAINING SPECIALIST, WESTERN NATIONAL INSURANCE

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