ebix has signed agreements with three groups that will offer members the new ebixASP agency management system. The groups include The Iroquois Group (a network of independent agents in 26 states), Enswer Business Solutions (a Web portal for insurance professionals at www.insurancemembers.com), and the Latin American Agents Association (LAAA), one of the nation's largest network of Hispanic insurance agents. Each of these groups will private-label and resell ebixASP to their member agents.

Under the terms of the agreements, ebix.com will create a customized version of ebixASP specifically designed for the individual needs of each group. ebix will also train each group’s staff on how to effectively use and maintain the system. The ASP-based system, which ebix.com will host, will be available initially on a limited basis and then be rolled out to all members. Although ebix.com will host the system, each group and its members will continue to maintain complete ownership of their data.

AgentSecure Expands Coverage Options

AgentSecure provides smaller and rural agents with access to markets using a Web site that facilitates a single-entry, multiple-carrier interface. They have expanded their offerings by adding a new program called AgentSecure for Life. The program, available in every state except Texas and Hawaii, adds life, long-term care, disability insurance, and 401(k) retirement-plan products to AgentSecure's existing commercial property and casualty products. Insurance companies participating in the program include Zurich Life, Protective Life, SAFECO Life, Prudential Life, and UnumProvident.

In addition to providing access to the new products, the Web site also will help agents with the process of obtaining a life-insurance license from their home state, and of securing appointments with the carriers. Immediate binding is available for many applicants, as is a wide range of fully underwritten products. AgentSecure for Life complements AgentSecure's core offering of small commercial products, including BOP, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Umbrella Liability, as well as Directors and Officers (D&O), Errors and Omissions (E&O), and Bonds. More than 1,200 small-business classes are supported. AgentSecure has also recently launched a Commercial Package Policy (CPP) program, which is designed to help agents find markets for larger risks. This program is available for about 200 business classes and can include commercial property, commercial general liability, business automobile, boiler and machinery, and crime and inland marine, among other coverages.

Transfer Large Files with Ease

Trying to send large file attachments via e-mail can be frustrating. Many e-mail systems place a limit on attachment file size that makes it difficult to send and/or receive large file attachments. magicVORTEX 1.5 is a software utility that works in conjunction with a Web service to allow easy, secure, and reliable transfers.

Once you download the client software from the Web site and install it, you are able to select the file you want to transfer and enter the recipient’s e-mail address. The magicVORTEX software then starts uploading the file to a secure area of the Web site. This process takes place in the background, so you can continue working. Once the files have been successfully uploaded, the recipient receives an e-mail notification that contains a URL pointing to the location of the file. They can then download the file through their browser in an SSL connection. For very large files, the recipient may want to use the magicVORTEX client for the download. An advantage of using the client software is that if the download is interrupted, the software will start up where it left off. Using the client software, you can transfer files up to 2GB in size. magicVORTEX’s pricing starts at $9.95 per month and can be found at www.magicvortex.com.