Pitney Bowes Group 1 Software has entered an alliance with SunMicrosystems to provide insurance companies with an integratedmanagement solution for the handling of non-life and life insuranceclaims. As a member of the Open Claims Alliance (OCA), Pitney BowesGroup 1 Software and its partners have developed a solution thatenables insurance companies to process claims more rapidly, reduceoperational costs, and better identify claimants.

The OCA is comprised of The Claims Company, business processconsultants, and four technology partners: Sun, Group 1 Software,edgeIPK, and Haley Limited. Through processes and technologyintegration, the solution helps reduce operational risks and costs.The integrated claims solution empowers insurance carriers toprocess claims in minutes rather than days while optimizing theresources spent on claims investigation. Additionally, by enhancingthe experience for genuine claimants, the solution can helpincrease loyalty and customer retention. "Sun Microsystems isexcited about the prospect of delivering a best-of-breed, compositeapplication with its partners to the insurance industry. Themodular approach of this application and transactional pricingoptions available through our software-as-a-service program,Solaris On Demand, create a real difference in the way insurers canaddress this key core system replacement," says Brian Turner, Sun'shead of insurance for America's and Europe.

"Sun's Integrated Claims Solution helps CEOs, CFOs, riskmanagers and claims departments make informed decisions onaccurate, timely data," says Bill Sinn, strategic industry manager,insurance, Pitney Bowes Group 1 Software. "Designed by industryexperts who know what the industry needs to be successful, thissolution is easy to deploy and avoids the need for majorinvestments in infrastructure."