Guidewire Software, a provider of solutions forproperty/casualty and workers' compensation insurers, releasedGuidewire ClaimCenter 4.0 for P&C carriers. ClaimCenter is aWeb-based system used to improve the end-to-end claims-adjustingprocess, reduce claims costs, and enhance customer service. Theproduct improves insurers' control over their core claim operationby enhancing rules-based automation of the claim process, expandingintegration with preferred claims-adjusting business partners, andincreasing visibility into key performance metrics.

This release expands Guidewire's support for the end-to-endclaim process. Key enhancements include:

Claim Incident Reporting--speeds the loss-reporting process byenabling specialized claim intake units to "fast track" claimsreporting without the need to link detailed claim attributes tospecific exposures.

Geocoding--assignment of resources to claim activity by skillset, availability, and proximity to the needs of the claim withdistance, maps, and driving directions.

Enhanced Claim Calendaring Capabilities--all claim-related tasksare displayed on a single calendar page for activity tracking, taskscheduling, and execution timeliness.

"Our customers are our most important development partners, andthe enhancements provided with ClaimCenter 4.0 are primarily basedon our customers' suggestions and feedback," says Ken Branson, vicepresident of product development for Guidewire.