E.L.M. Insurance Brokers has announced the formation of DataFlow Insurance Systems, which.will market insurer-branded Web sites utilizing DataFlow's capabilities, DataFlow database access subscriptions, and the California Surplus Lines Tax Tracking Software package. The goal of DataFlow is to provide data integrity and neutrality for all users and customers with analysis and effective quoting.

The announcement was made shortly after the completion of the latest phase of the DataFlow Initiative, technology for electronic transmissions for the specialty lines industry. The DataFlow Initiative allows data from PDF applications to be electronically processed and delivered to insurers and MGAs in any format. Through the DataFlow database, data from PDF applications, XML, and other data form-based documents will be fed into a SQL database allowing insurers to pick up the data in proprietary formats and CSV format. Data also can be put into another PDF, XML, or other form-based documents for entry into proprietary systems or be imported directly into insurer systems via direct link.

Frederick J. Fisher, president and CEO of E.L.M., currently is interviewing several candidates for the positions of CEO and CIO and will soon focus on establishing DataFlow's sales force.