SunGard's goals in communicating withinsurance carrier customers include sharing industry knowledge andtimely updates, encouraging input into the product developmentprocess, and enhancing the experience of using SunGard software,according to Michelle Dennis, vice president of product managementand strategy for SunGard's insurance business.

In this case, the software is SunGard's iWorks InvestmentAccounting System, which won the vendor a RAVE Award in thefinancials category.

"SunGard maintains open customer communication on business needsand challenges and product feedback through Webinars, newsletters,user groups, customer events, advisory boards, and executiveengagement activities," says Dennis. "We invite customers into theplanning and development process early on, giving them theopportunity to influence product strategy, direction, andvalidation."

SunGard's iWorks Investment suite of solutions helpsinsurance carriers address regulatory, accounting, and assetmanagement requirements for complex fixed investments, according toDennis. The iWorks Investment Accounting system (IAS) is a mid-tieroffering for investment managers requiring comprehensivefunctionality and advanced reporting for GAAP and statutoryreporting compliance.

In explaining why she feels SunGard received the RAVE honor,Dennis points out the iWorks software ensures that insurers arebest equipped for investments compliance with a focus oninsurance-specific requirements and remains responsive toregulatory changes.

"IAS delivers this value by helping improve data accessibilityto help insurers make effective business decisions and by engagingcustomers with our knowledgeable team of experts," she says. "Thisis further strengthened by our strong customer communicationprograms that help keep them informed and prepared."

Recently, SunGard has focused its efforts on expanding thecapabilities of iWorks IAS beyond regulatory reporting with therelease of tax capabilities delivering centralization, integration,and automation of investment portfolio related tax data, explainsDennis.

Other developments include helping customers meet performancerequirements through integration with their Asset Arena investmentperformance and risk reporting solution, she adds.

Second Place Winner: Financials

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