GuidewireSoftware, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement toacquire Cyence, a software company that applies data scienceand risk analytics to enable P&C insurers to grow byunderwriting "21st century risks" that have gone underinsured oruninsured. These emerging risks include cyber, reputation, and newforms of business interruption risk. "As traditional actuarialapproaches struggle to address the unique characteristics ofemerging risks like cyber, Cyence's next-generation approach willenable insurers to broaden the scope and value of the productstheir policyholders need," , Guidewire Software CEO and Co-FounderMarcus Ryu said in a press release.

In other news from Guidewire: MetLife Auto& Home has begun deploying Guidewire's InsurancePlatform™in a new cloud environment for customers using its MetLife Auto& Home MyDirect portal. MetLife Auto & Home is the firstP&C insurer in the United States to offer a 100-percent digitalexperience from quoting to claim service. Rollout of the platformis expected to continue over the next several quarters.

HearsaySystems recently announced a strategic alliance with Microsoftto help financial services firms empower advisors to be bothhigh-tech and high-touch at scale in the digital age. The companieswill focus on addressing the specific challenges faced by financialinstitutions, including the need for compliant advisor-clientengagement technology that will enable advisors to better manageclient relationships and grow business. The alliance will bringtogether the data-driven relationship insights from MicrosoftDynamics 365 with the financial industry-specific workflows,data and compliance capabilities from Hearsay, allowing advisors tomore effectively acquire, convert and deepen clientrelationships.