The new year brings an exciting new design to Tech Decisions along with new, timely columns and departments and other enhancements we're phasing in here and in upcoming issues. We also begin 2007 under new management.
Our last magazine redesign occurred in late 2002. While it seems like yesterday, the business climate in general and the insurance IT environment in particular have undergone a sea change since then. Today, the economy is pumping with a stock market achieving new highs, and insurers are spending again for growth (see "More, Please," p. 10). There's less focus on cost cutting and ROI and more on major upgrades to a variety of systems. And with those initiatives comes a new outlook: IT solutions now are business solutions–an evolution reflected in the new name you'll find attached to our monthly case study.
That change, however, is just a small part of our larger effort to bring our readers a publication attuned to–and when possible, even ahead of–its time. Our new look is bold and streamlined, mirroring the kinds of advancements under way in our readers' companies. Our features, columns, and departments will continue to deliver the must-know intelligence readers tell me they consider an essential tool. New content will encompass additional ground-breaking initiatives, more expert advice, and a view of key events shaping the business side.
That said, I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff of Tech Decisions for making the small steps and giant leaps vital to achieving a project of this nature. A special note of thanks to our truly gifted art director, Lori Ruwe, and to our writers and editors, who always are seeking to bring you an ever higher level of information and insight.
And if all this isn't enough news, there's more. Tech Decisions recently was purchased by William F. Reilly and Wind Point Partners, a private equity firm, which in forming Summit Business Media, simultaneously acquired Highline Media, parent company of this magazine and the other National Underwriter properties, and Pfingsten Publishing, also a business-to-business media company. In the words of Bill Reilly: "The combined enterprise has many opportunities for synergy. . . . The fact that both are information providers to the insurance industry, for example, is a major plus."
But enough about us. What's new with you? More than just a little, as we all know. You have a standing invitation to contact me with your news and opinions about industry happenings–and please feel free to let me know your thoughts on the changes we've implemented and continue to make. There's no one of us smarter than all of us–I said these words in my first "Editor's Note" for this magazine. With all the changes you'll find here, this is one of the most important things that remain the same.
Sharon S. Schwartzman
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