NU Online News Service, May 26, 1:42 p.m. EDT
LAS VEGAS–The insurance business is changing, and Internet technology professionals must become knowledgeable about insurance so they can help facilitate and prepare for the changes to come, Robert Kerzner, LOMA's president and chief executive officer observed.
Speaking during the general session at the 2010 ACORD/LOMA Insurance Systems Forum here, Mr. Kerzner noted the difference in the industry's mood this year compared to last year, remarking that the economy is better and companies are talking about spending more on IT.
While technology can be a "great enabler" and allow companies to make big leaps, Mr. Kerzner said, IT professionals need to be ready for changes ahead in the insurance industry.
IT professionals, Mr. Kerzner said, need to know about the business of insurance or they cannot help change it.
"Learn the language of the industry," Mr. Kerzner said, adding that there are many acronyms and much jargon.
It is crucial for IT professionals to keep learning, according to Mr. Kerzner. He said LOMA is an effective resource for IT training.
Mr. Kerzner also spoke about the high level of anti-insurance company rhetoric today, and he challenged the industry to get the word out about the good that it does for consumers.
He said it does not help the industry when the president and speaker of the House are attacking insurers, and he noted that when they speak in broad terms such as "those insurance companies," consumers often do not differentiate between health insurers, life insurers, and property and casualty insurers.
"I'm tired of hearing all the anti-insurance rhetoric," he said.
The industry, he stated, needs to do its part to help consumers think more kindly of the industry.
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