Most insurance companies went into survival mode in 2009 to get through the economic collapse. Many turned to innovative technology measures to boost business–such as connecting to new customers through social networking. Others went back to the tried and true–doing more with less. The budget forecast for 2010 is guarded, but opportunities nevertheless present themselves.

Indeed, there's little doubt in Steve Boyd's mind that 2009 was a year that called for turning to insurance technology to help ride through the storm.

“When you are in a situation where you are dealing with fewer premium dollars going around, you need to have more of a razor focus on things,” explained Mr. Boyd, who is both chief operating officer and chief information officer at Arrowhead General Insurance, an independent national insurance program manager for commercial and personal lines products headquartered in San Diego.