April 14, 2008 by Steve.

Microsoft recently announced plans to provide a software-as-a-service offering not just to the large enterprises already eligible for such a service from Microsoft, but to companies of all sizes. Through the new Microsoft Online Services, businesses with less than 5,000 employees will be able to subscribe to Internet-based applications from Microsoft and its partners instead of buying hardware servers and software licenses.

Initially, the company will offer subscription-based applications around e-mail and its SharePoint teamware. Microsoft has already provided similar services for enterprises with more than 5,000 employees.

US-based customers can register to take part in a limited beta of the new service at www.mosbeta.com. 

We have been an advocate of the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for some time. It is particularly well suited to agencies because it allows them to use sophisticated software without the pain of having to manage software and hardware in-house.

There are a number of examples of other product offerings that utilize this model. Microsoft is trying to head off similar services from Google (Google Apps), Yahoo, and other firms like Dell.

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February 4, 2008 by Steve.

One of the biggest barriers to effectively handling a claim for your client is helping them ensure they have a full inventory of the contents they lost. There has been various software solutions created to help with this problem. AnywhereVault is a personal inventory Web site that helps people document their personal property and important paperwork so they can more easily recover from theft, fire, or other disaster. As a byproduct of completing a full inventory, the site enables users to determine if they have adequate insurance coverage and generates reports of their personal possessions that ease the process of filing and collecting on insurance claims.

AnywhereVault guides users through the process of documenting possessions, storing proof-of-ownership data including serial numbers and receipts, and uploading important documents, such as insurance policies and wills. Users also can upload photographs. The data can be sorted and organized in numerous reports that enable users to calculate value to ensure adequate insurance coverage and provide claims adjustors with proof of ownership documentation.

Users can choose from four plans that range from $15 to $80 per year depending on the volume of information they need to store. Anyone can sign up for a free 30-day trial. You can use this as a value-added service for your existing clients.

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December 26, 2007 by Steve.

Progressive Insurance stopped sending agents paper copies of policies and endorsements some time ago. They’ve now taken the next logical step: turning off paper to policyholders. This new service is an extension of a Paperless Billing service introduced in early 2007 that allowed customers to request that they receive an electronic bill versus a physical paper bill delivered by the U.S. Mail.

New or existing clients can request that all of their documents from Progressive be delivered as an attachment to an e-mail. Consumers are increasingly receiving and paying their bills electronically. This trend will continue. It is important that you began asking your clients how they want to receive information from you.

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