Wakefield, MA (PRWEB) July 22, 2010

Delphi Group, strategic business advisors and technology market makers, today announced the publication of a new Research Note, “The Delphi Curve for Real-time Desktop Guidance,” which compares products and services intended to guide knowledge workers through increasingly complex enterprise desktop environments in real time – in much the same way that a GPS system guides a driver. The spectrum of tools examined range in business effectiveness and perceived customer value from passive “Help” systems at the low end to proactive Business Process Guidance systems at the high end of the curve.

The Note follows a recent study conducted by Delphi which found that more than 30% of all knowledge workers have 12 or more windows open on their desktop simultaneously, causing serious problems with accuracy, productivity, and responsiveness in business-critical environments such as call centers and back office financial functions. A variety of solutions have evolved to deal with this problem, the most effective of which is Business Process Guidance or Real-time Desktop Guidance. RTDG is aware of the activity on the user’s desktop and guides them through the processes at hand by providing a listing of the most likely options and alternatives available to the user.

According to Tom Koulopoulos, CEO and President of Delphi Group, “All of the current approaches to reducing desktop complexity for the knowledge worker need to move closer to delivering a real-time capability for guidance and navigation. Players currently well positioned in the BPM space may do so through acquisition. Other emerging players, such as Panviva with its BPG solution SupportPoint, provide both software to guide workers in real-time through complex systems as well as services that address the fundamental problem of poorly-architected information systems.”

Delphi expects that desktop complexity will continue to increase dramatically, as will the number of vendors paying closer attention to the challenge.

The complete Research Note is available free of charge at Delphi Group Research.

About Delphi Group

For more than 20 years Delphi has been providing unparalleled insight at the intersection of business and technology. We are “Strategic Business Advisors and Technology Market Makers” - what we call biztech. No other advisor provides Delphi Group’s depth of understanding in our areas of coverage. We dedicate our company to the evolution of these markets and build successful communities of providers and end-users around them. For more information, visit www.delphigroup.com.

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(PRWEB) July 3, 2010 — Did you know that it is not only the US government that takes strict action against drivers using cell phone against driving? According to an article released by Insure4USA.com, auto insurance companies have decided to support the cause with an additional clause in their terms and conditions. The clause gives the insurance company the right to increase the premium for drivers who have been given a ticket related to cell phone use while driving. According to Alex, CEO of Insure4USA.com, drivers with tickets for other driving related offenses will add to their woes by having to pay more for their insurance. Repeated offenders who fail to pay their cell-phone tickets are in danger of having their car’s coverage canceled.

According to the article from Insure4USA.com, an alarming increase in the number of car accidents are cell phone related, which has prompted states such as California, Oregon, Washington DC, and others to give police officers the right to issue a ticket to drivers that violate cell phone laws while driving. Many states have also banned texting of messages while driving. CEO Alex adds, “Drivers need to realize the gravity of the situation for their own as well as the safety of the public in general. Insurance companies value their clients and don’t necessarily want to mete out step-motherly treatment to them,” Alex goes on to say. “These clauses make more of a statement rather than a crack on the knuckles of every driver.”

Rather than incur unnecessary expenses Insure4USA.com recommends the installation of a hands-free device to avoid any clashes with the law enforcement agencies. This is only if you need to take important calls, otherwise the best thing to do is pull over where possible or ignore calls until later, or make full use of today’s technology and switch over to voice mail. CEO Alex adds, “While these issues are important, drivers need to be cautious about speeding. Reaching for a cell phone can result in over speeding, with the risk of ending up in an accident.”

While the government is serious about a crackdown on cell phone use while driving with a number of awareness campaigns being made, Insure4USA.com urges drivers to take the imitative by being responsible. Moreover, savings on insurance are important as well rather than coughing up large sums due to negligence. Undoubtedly, researchers and lawmakers agree that driving distractions are a serious problem, while insurance companies pave the way for safer roads.

See Insure4USA.com full article about irresponsible cell phone use while driving.

About Insure4USA.com

Insure4USA.com is an online marketplace that offers customers an easy way to purchase insurance policies online. Insure4USA.com will help find the right insurance for the right price. The site helps consumers to compare online insurance quotes from top insurance companies and provides an excellent way to save money and time on shopping for insurance.

Insure4USA.com offers quotes on life, home, business, auto, health insurance and other insurance types. For more information, visit http://www.insure4usa.com.

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Trading in the shares of Ping An and Shenzhen Development Bank will be halted today.

Ping An, which owns 21.4 percent of Shenzhen Bank, is the lender’s largest shareholder. A combination of the two banks will extend Ping An Chairman Peter Ma’s push to build a financial supermarket deriving two-thirds of revenue from non-insurance products.

The insurer shifted its focus to the Chinese market after losing $3.3 billion on an investment in Fortis, formerly Belgium’s biggest financial-services company, in 2008.

The spokespeople of the Communist Party and its Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, responsible for crackdowns on corruption, are scheduled for a 10 a.m. Beijing press conference today.

Read full story

(PRWEB) June 25, 2010 — Today, VUE Software® announced it has been selected as a finalist for the Microsoft Partner Awards in the Microsoft Dynamics Financial Services Partner of the Year award category.

“We’re honored to receive such prestigious recognition from Microsoft,” said Stephen Bruno, President and CEO of VUE Software. “Being a finalist in the Microsoft Dynamics Financial Services Partner of the Year category is a testament to our commitment to leveraging Microsoft technologies to develop innovative solutions that deliver strategic value for our clients.”

VUE Software’s premier offerings VUE Compensation Management and VUE IncentivePoint work together with Microsoft Dynamics CRM to deliver Sales Performance Management capabilities to insurers.

Awards will be presented in a number of categories, with winners and finalists chosen from a pool of almost 3,000 entrants worldwide. The Microsoft Dynamics Financial Services Partner of the Year Award honors partners who have exhibited excellence in providing innovative and unique solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics to customers in the financial services industry. This award recognizes VUE Software , Inc for demonstrating industry knowledge and expertise, as well as consistent, high-quality, predictable service to Microsoft Dynamics customers.

“Congratulations to the 2010 Partner Award finalists for delivering such creative and superior Microsoft solutions and services,” said Allison Watson, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. “It’s incredible to see the level of expertise our partners continue to exhibit as they create and deliver innovative solutions and services to grow their businesses, meet customer needs, and drive down costs.”

The Microsoft Partner Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the past year. The award winners and finalists will be honored during the upcoming conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C., USA on July 11-15. For more information on the conference, please visit http://digitalwpc.com/.

About CSSI® and VUE Software®
VUE Software® is the product division of Computer Solutions and Software International dedicated to providing industry-specific business technology solutions to companies in the insurance, healthcare, and construction verticals. Because they are tailored to the needs of these particular industries, our solutions are different from one-size-fits-all performance management and compensation suites such as enterprise incentive management (EIM) and sales performance management (SPM) solutions. VUE Software’s solutions allow companies to manage strategic incentive plans, automate producer administration and organize complex data and contractor policies, resulting in greater administrative efficiency and improved sales performance. For more information about VUE Software, please call 1.877.4.VUESOFT or visit www.vuesoftware.com.

VUE Software is the product division of Computer Solutions and Software International. Computer Solutions and Software International is the official entity being recognized as a finalist for the Microsoft Partner Awards.

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Houston, Texas (PRWEB) June 16, 2010 — People who suffer from morbid obesity can consider a new primary weight loss surgery known as the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), or the Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

Aetna Insurance now recognizes this surgical procedure as medically necessary under established criteria for those with chronic health problems related to obesity.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedure done by placing a scope through small incisions made in the abdomen. This results in less post-operative pain than a traditional bariatric surgical procedure that requires a larger incision. Most patients can go home early the following day after a LSG.

Also, returning to work is much easier, and can usually be done within seven-to-ten days—and sometimes as few as three.

Weight-loss surgery criteria includes:
• An adult who as had severe obesity issues for at least 2 years
• A medically documented history of unsuccessful weight-loss attempts
• High body mass index (BMI) in association with other obesity related health problems: Cardiovascular disease, Sleep apnea, Severe hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Significant impairment in activities of daily living.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a relatively new procedure devised for people who are severely obese and who may be suffering from serious medical problems because of the obesity (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc). These people will get the best benefit from maximum weight loss.

The goal is to decrease the storage capacity of the stomach so the patient experiences a subjective feeling of fullness after consuming smaller amounts of food. The bariatric surgeon tapers the stomach into a narrow tube and large, stretchable part is removed.

According to Doctor Marvin, this Weight-Loss Surgery does more than just reduce the reservoir function of the stomach. It also alters the concentration of intestinal hormones, curbing the desire to eat. As a result of gastric sleeve the patient is literally less hungry, and post-operative dietary recommendations are easier to follow.

Aetna Insurance requires that patients participate in an organized multi-disciplinary surgical preparatory regimen within 6 months prior to the weight-loss surgery. The goal is to reduce the possibility of surgical complications and promote a successful outcome.

Activities must be documented and include:
• Behavior modification program
• Consultation with a dietitian or nutritionist
• Exercise regimen
• Reduced-calorie diet program

There are several advantages gastric sleeve has over other weight-loss surgeries for Houston patients. No foreign body (Lap Band) is placed into the abdomen, so there is no chance of slippage or erosion that might require a second operation. The intestine is not rearranged, as would be the case with Gastric Bypass surgery. Thus, there is minimal possibility of ulcer formation, small intestinal obstruction, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Houston Surgical Specialists report that the gastric sleeve operation has dramatically lower long-term complication and re-operation rates than Gastric Bypass.

Speak with your Aetna insurance representative to inquire about coverage details for Gastric Sleeve Operation. Note that you must have engaged in a documented physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program during the two-year period prior to the surgery to receive Aetna coverage.

Houston Surgical Specialists is a multi-physician practice that specializes in helping those who suffer from morbid obesity located in the great state of Texas. They approach weight loss with a wide range of treatment plans, including medically supervised diets, nutrition and vitamin plans, and all proven effective surgical procedures. They are recognized by the pre-eminent society of weight loss surgeons in the United States, and are one of the premier practices for obesity care in the Houston, Texas area.

Houston Surgical Specialists areas of service in Texas includes Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Victoria, Corpus Christi, and Galveston.

Contact:
Houston Surgical Specialists
3429 West Holcombe, Houston, TX 77025
Toll free – 866.696.8660
Houston – 713.993.7124
Fax – 713.963.0476
Email: info(at)doctormarvin(dot)com
Website: Internet marketing services

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(Vocus) June 9, 2010 — USI Affinity, a leading administrator of bar association insurance programs, is pleased to announces their exclusive arrangement with CNA to provide Lawyers’ Professional Liability coverage to members of The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) effective June 6, 2010. USI Affinity has been the NYSBA’s exclusive administrator of insurance products for more than 50 years, and by partnering with CNA, will provide a comprehensive, cost-competitive product.

“We are pleased to welcome CNA’s leadership in providing quality, professional liability services that add real value to the New York State Bar Association membership,” said NYSBA President, Stephen P. Younger (Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP of New York City). “These programs contain many practical benefits and also showcase the NYSBA as a recognized leader in offering relevant resources and useful insurance products that provide peace of mind for attorneys.”

Arnol B. Kaplan, President of Professional Insurance Solutions at USI Affinity, stated “USI Affinity’s insurance products provide competitive rates and comprehensive top-rated coverage to all NYSBA attorneys who wish to participate. We are excited that this new partnership with CNA will enable us to better serve current Association members and also encourage eligible non-members to take a closer look at USI Affinity’s quality products and services through NYSBA membership. We are proud to partner with CNA and, needless to say, to be the exclusive administrator for the NYSBA – this is another example of the value and relevance we have traditionally provided to associations and their members for more than 50 years.”

About USI Affinity and CNA:
Over the last 50 years, USI Affinity has grown to become the leading administrator of Bar Association insurance programs nationwide. In addition to NYSBA, other clients who have benefitted from USI Affinity’s experience and trusted solutions include state bar associations such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey and large regional associations such as Allegheny County (PA), Philadelphia, and Boston. USI Affinity’s reputation and market position provide the necessary leverage to ensure competitively priced, quality product offerings due to their close relationships with the most respected insurance companies nationwide.

CNA is an “A” rated carrier by A.M. Best and the 7th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States. CNA has been in the insurance business for over 100 years, in the Lawyers’ Professional Liability market for over 45 years, and insures over 150,000 lawyers. CNA is the nation’s leading provider of professional liability insurance for lawyers.

To learn more about the Lawyers’ Professional Liability insurance program for NYSBA members, call 800.727.7770, or visit www.usiaffinity.com/CNAlawyers to request a free quote.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/barassociations/ProfessionalLiability/prweb4109494.htm

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) June 4, 2010 — 401(k) Advisors – Arizona announced managing director John L. Scott has been named one of the Top Forty Advisors in the country by 401(k) Wire. The publication recognized Scott as an industry leader and one of the Most Influential Advisors in Defined Contribution in the country. Scott was honored from a field of more than 3,000 advisor nominees and formally recognized at the Influencers’ Summit in New York this past spring.

“This is a great honor,” said Scott. “We are proud to have helped hundreds of companies and their participants find effective solutions for their retirement benefit plans. Sound 401(k) decisions can result in positive impacts for companies and their employee’s future. At the end of the day, it’s about successful retirement outcomes for our clients and their employees.”

Scott is an expert in plan consulting, ERISA compliance, investment due diligence, vendor and fee benchmarking, plan participation and employee communications. An industry leader for nearly thirty years, he is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) through the Center for Fiduciary Studies, a PlanSponsor Retirement Professional (SM) through the PlanSponsor Institute (SM), a Registered Investment Advisor and a member of the 401(k) Coach Program. Scott is a highly sought-after moderator and panelist for industry sponsored programs dealing with all aspects of retirement plan advisement, from fiduciary responsibilities to industry best practices.

401(k) Advisors - Arizona
401k Advisors- Arizona (www.the401kexpert.com) has helped to set new standards for 401(k) guidance. The firm specializes in sponsor/participant advocacy for small, mid-size and large clients with design, fee benchmarking, investment due diligence, and compliance of 401(k) plans.

401(k) Advisors – Arizona is part of 401(k) Advisors, a qualified retirement plan consulting company whose services help protect plan fiduciaries from personal and corporate financial liability, while enhancing investment opportunities for plan participants. As fiduciaries, the 401(k) Advisors team maximizes retirement plan outcomes by increasing investment performance, reducing plan expenses, improving plan efficiency, and helping sponsors to meet ERISA compliance requirements. 401(k) Advisors consults on more than $60 billion in retirement plan assets.

401(k) Advisors – Arizona is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Financial Telesis, Inc. 4340 Redwood Highway, Suite A-23, San Rafael, CA 94903. A registered broker/dealer. Member FINRA & SIPC.

For additional information, please visit www.the401kexpert.com or call (480) 663-0110 x 19.

Contact:
John L. Scott
401(k) Advisors – Arizona
8426 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-663-0110 x 19

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/06/prweb4087614.htm

Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) — All surgeries, no matter how minor, have inherent risks. Everyone knows someone who has had a major surgical complication. The national news has covered the death of several public figures from variety of surgical procedures such as Senator John Murtha’s death from complications from a routine gall bladder surgery. Up to this point, patients have not had the opportunity to purchase insurance against these risks. Surgical Risk Solutions has developed COMPLICATION INSURANCE®, a simple insurance solution to do just that.

After watching the trial of a surgeon who was sued after a patient died due to a blood clot (DVT) following a total knee replacement surgery, Andrew Kagan, CEO of Surgical Risk Solutions, felt there had to be a better option. “You had this catastrophic outcome leaving litigation as the only option available to the family. If the jury finds that a doctor fell within the standard of care, then no money is awarded,” Mr. Kagan said, revealing that this was precisely what happened in the case he witnessed. “In addition, litigation in most areas may take from 2 to 5 years to reach a conclusion and if successful, the actual victims receive only around half of the damages awarded.”

COMPLICATION INSURANCE® can provide up to $250,000 in coverage for as little as $100. The policy is underwritten by an already well known and licensed insurer that will verify claims quickly and remit payment.

The underwriting process for COMPLICATION INSURANCE® is simple, understandable, and can be completed in 10 minutes online. By visiting the website, www.complicationinsurance.com, answering a few underwriting questions, and paying for the policy with a credit card, the patient can get peace of mind in a matter of minutes. The website is also an informative resource to learn about the 70 plus procedures that COMPLICATION INSURANCE® covers.

COMPLICATION INSURANCE® is now available in California and Texas. It is also available in nine other states that include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.

Even though it is a difficult for doctors to discuss, most agree that it is in their own best interest to inform patients of all the ways to protect themselves and their families from the unintended consequences of surgery. This includes placing brochures in their offices in the various states that COMPLICATION INSURANCE® is available.

For more information or to purchase a policy, please visit our website at www.complicationinsurance.com , or call Daniel Ryan, Executive V.P. at (904) 493-7965, ext. 204.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/complicationinsurance/surgicalrisksolutions/prweb4088264.htm

(PRWEB) June 4, 2010 — Over 230 attendees were on hand at the Inland Marine Underwriters Association’s (IMUA) 80th Annual Meeting held last week in Williamsburg, VA, to congratulate Sophia Phillips - The Hanover Insurance Group - on her election as the Association’s new Chairperson. The record number of attendees also welcomed the elections of Peter Opinante - Swiss Re America - and Michelle Hoehn - Travelers Group - as Deputy Chairman and Vice Chairperson respectively.

In her acceptance remarks Ms. Phillips commented, “I am extremely pleased and excited to serve as the new Chairperson of the IMUA. It is especially gratifying to see the greatest number of participants at our Annual Meeting in IMUA’s history. The unprecedented turnout comes at a time when there continues to be economic uncertainty among businesses in general, and the insurance industry in particular. I am pleased to report that while economic reports about some of the inland marine classes – notably the construction piece - still do not look favorable, IMUA’s financial condition remains exceptionally strong. Our ability to continually provide value-added programs and education services to our membership has only made us stronger.”

Ms. Philips also praised the many accomplishments of Rich Soja - Chubb Marine Underwriters - IMUA’s immediate past Chairman, for his outstanding leadership in guiding the Association over the last two years. “Not yielding to the industry economic pressures, he forged ahead taking advantage of new technologies to not only improve our efficiency but also position the IMUA as a leading educational resource for the industry.”

In his ‘State of the Association’ annual report, IMUA President & CEO Ron Thornton reiterated that the Association remains financially strong. He summarized the many new education programs and services that the IMUA has implemented - most notably its webinar program and regional seminars - helping put the Association on sound economic footing. He concluded his remarks, surprising many attendees, announcing his intention to retire before the 2011 annual meeting in Chicago. “It has been a privilege and an honor to represent such a prestigious organization,” said Mr. Thornton. He has served as the Association’s President for over 11 years. Chair Phillips will be selecting an ad hoc group of Board members to form a Search Committee who will seek a replacement for Mr. Thornton no later than March 2011.

Nicolas Creatore, Chartis, IMUA Membership & Nominating Committee Chair, announced the election of the Board of Directors’ Class of 2013 –

Mr. James Cunningham - Markel Group
Mr. Edward “Ned” Leber - ACE USA
Ms. Ellen O’Conner - SC&F
Mr. Richard Pye - Harleysville Group
Ms. Diane Shelton - Catlin Group
Ms. Grace Thomas - Great American

and the election of the following Board members to fill vacancies in the Class of 2011

Ms. Jayne Honeck – C N A
Mr. Alexander McGinley – The Hartford
Mr. Lloyd J. ‘Pat’ Stoik – Chubb Group

Also re-elected at the annual meeting was Lillian Colson - the Association’s Vice President & Secretary and Mr. Thornton as President & CEO until a replacement is selected.

IMUA is the national association for the commercial inland marine insurance industry. IMUA serves as the voice of its member companies representing over 90 percent of all commercial inland marine insurers. The association provides its members with comprehensive training and educational programs, including research papers and bulletins, industry analysis and seminars. IMUA was founded in 1930.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/06/prweb4082344.htm