Technology departments have staked their claim on strategic development within the insurance industry, but backing for those programs isn't limited to line-of-business units. Those on the financial side of the enterprise are equally strong advocates of strategic spending as those in underwriting or claims. However, how the money is spent causes the financial side more worries than others.

Ron Schoen, executive vice president and CFO of Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, has IT leaders reporting to him, but even though he admits to not being a technologist, Schoen encourages those under him to think both strategically and financially. "There certainly is an evolution [in the way IT is judged]," he says. "In the past, people tended to work more in silos. What I'm trying is to get people to evolve into not thinking of themselves as technologists but as partners in the business. I think it's been successful, but there's always room to improve."

Jim Keal, vice president of finance at United Heartland, doesn't have technology leaders reporting to him but believes strongly in having a relationship with IT leaders. "[Good relationships] with IT are important when the business side strives for efficiencies," he says. "By establishing a relationship and understanding the value that can be gained from technology, financial leaders support making smart investments."