Back To School

When I was a kid, probably like most others before me and since, the arrival of Labor Day was not something I relished. The holiday gave notice, sadly, the carefree summer was over, and it was time to go back to the business of schoolfacing some tough teachers and challenging assignments. Today, similarly, we deal with demanding bosses and a difficult environment of decreased resources and increased needs. An advantage we had in school was that most information we needed to ace a test or complete a report was readily available. Thats not necessarily the case once we enter the work world.

Yes, the Internet has revolutionized data access, but when it comes to professional (read insurance IT) studies, the options are few. Training programs at work are barely holding their own or on the decline in this economy (see In Training, p. 12). And academia hasnt been too successful at keeping up with the fast pace of changing technologies nor targeting insurance specifically, which in combination would make it useful to professionals. Mention some of the loftiest centers of IT learning to insurance CIOs, and Ive found youre pretty much guaranteed to get a bit of eye-rolling in response.

This void is not without consequence. As insurers attempt to align their business and technology, the knowledge gap becomes apparent. The IT side speaks flawless techie but lacks fluency in business. For the business side, its the reverse. Realistically, there is no magic remedy. But I do have a suggestion you might consider. Its likely one of your best options out there, and Ill tell you why.

Im talking about the upcoming TechDEC 2003, taking place in Seattle on Oct. 26 to 28. In developing this conference, we recruited CIOs and other industry experts to help design a program that can and should be put to use (check it out at www.tech-decisions.com; click on TechDEC 2003 home page, then attendee; and scroll down). Our mission was to develop a rich resource that provides real take-away value in addition to a networking opportunity. From outsourcing to securityfrom XML to an industry update from relevant business issues to hands-on creative solutions to some of the most pressing insurance IT problems, this is what your peers told us they need to know more about.

Think of this as not just a conference but a meetingof some of the best minds in the business. Speakers include insurance IT leaders from such companies as Safeco, Hartford Life, Prudential, St. Paul Companies, Guardian Life, Farmers, Empire Blue Cross, American Express Assurance, RBC Insurance, Republic, Citizens Property, and more.

In addition, participants will share experiences and take in many of the latest technologies, including a unique wireless solutions pavilion, featuring some of the newest offerings in a fast-evolving arena.

School rarely was as real world as this. If you play hooky, youll risk losing the chance to think a little differently about the hard job you do every day, not to mention enhancing your knowledge and effectiveness. If you come, theres so much to gain.
I know Ill be there. See you in class!

Sharon S. Schwartzman
Editor-in-Chief