Accenture Claim Components Solution Released on Microsoft .NET Platform
Web Services Solution Addresses Insurers’ Need to Update Their Claims Systems and Enhance Customer Satisfaction
ORLANDO; May 19, 2003 – Accenture today announced the availability of Accenture Claim Components Release 5.0, its Web-based claims application designed using Microsoft’s .NET software. The Accenture Claim Components solution helps insurers update their claims systems, reduce technology development costs and risks, and improve operational efficiencies, customer service and communications. The news was announced today at the ACORD (Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development) Conference, an annual gathering of insurance industry executives.
Accenture Claim Components Release 5.0 allows users to conduct more than 300 core claims transactions through the use of Web services. The solution uses XML language to provide insurers with the benefits of channel independence, allowing claimants, agents, insureds and other third parties to interact with carriers using their preferred media, whether call center, interactive voice response (IVR) system, the Internet or agent portals. Additionally, the solution can assist insurers in reducing the overall implementation time of new claims technology, helping them to realize business benefits within nine to 12 months.
"Managing the business of claims requires the real-time integration of a wide range of systems both internally and externally," said Michael A. Jackowski, a partner in Accenture’s Insurance Solution group. "Forward-looking insurers recognize that Web services can help them improve the effectiveness of their internal claims operations and integrate their communication with that of vendors and third parties, such as auto body shops, hospitals and fraud-detection services."
Web services are standards-based computer applications that can be accessed by other applications over the Internet using standard interoperable technologies such as XML to enable computers to communicate, regardless of network, system, device, language or application. Web services technology is built into basic application tools, reducing the need for specialized, proprietary integration tools and additional technology investments.
“The insurance industry can begin to reap the bottom-line benefits of Web services today and position itself for a future in which Web services will be pervasive,” said Bill Hartnett, general manager of financial services strategy and solutions at Microsoft. "By investing in building and delivering .NET solutions, Accenture is taking the leap forward to help insurers rapidly realize the benefits of Web services without the up-front development risks."
The Accenture Claim Components solution was upgraded to Windows Server 2003 and the Windows Server System using Visual Studio .NET, Microsoft’s rapid application development tool for building next-generation Web applications and XML Web services. Accenture teamed with Avanade, a joint venture company founded by Accenture and Microsoft, to develop the partner integration framework component of its claims solution using Microsoft BizTalk. This framework can seamlessly integrate third-party solutions into the Accenture Claim Components solution and includes prebuilt ACORD XML standard interfaces for processing First Notice of Loss (FNOL) and claims investigation business messages. Eight of the world’s 25 largest P&C insurers have licensed the Accenture Claim Components solution, and more than 8,000 claims handlers worldwide use Accenture Claim Components software on their desktops.
About Accenture
Accenture is the world’s leading management consulting and technology services company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them realize their visions and create tangible value. With deep industry expertise, broad global resources and proven experience in consulting and outsourcing, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills, alliances and technologies. With more than 75,000 people in 47 countries, the company generated net revenues of $11.6 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
###
Marykate Reese
+1 (917) 452 8738