Letters (July 01, 1999)

Dear Editor,

Subject: Jokers Wild, editorial, February Issue

Your editorial appears to bemoan the demise of Synchron, an event that is now about a year old. Its flavour tars the system vendors as a special interest group outside the industry, and wants to place brokers in the single solution vanguard.

This journal is one of several voices still talking about Synchron as the solution that should have been. Before we move on, there is one question: how was IBM, the project consultant, a technology supplier with any less self-interest than the broker systems?

Indeed, the broker system vendors — including Compu-Quote mentioned in the article as the LINCQ supplier — are the players whose futures are most tied to brokers, more so than some insurers. In addition, the fact that Compu-Quote was in discussion to supply the rating engine to Synchron was not a secret, and should have been an indicator that other technology service providers were supporters.

Finally, suggesting that a broker group such as IBAC lead an initiative like this is an admirable goal. Skepticism towards the possibility of such an achievement arises from observing the splintered nature of broker viewpoints toward technology and insurer relationships. Individual loyalties continue to undermine the unity required to combat the erosion of market share by aggressive competitors.

Yours truly,

A. Wallace

Compu-Quote Inc.