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Technology Stocks : Sapient (SAPE) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: mchip who wrote (85)	10/14/1998 11:20:00 AM
From: jas cooper	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 178

Sapient Builds Unique Internet TechnologyInfrastructure for the Insurance Industry October 14, 1998 10:46 AM CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 1998-- Sapient Corporation SAPE , an innovative provider of integrated management consulting and information technology solutions, today announced that it helped one of its clients enable an entirely new distribution channel for evaluating and buying insurance over the Internet. Sapient combined its technology savvy with Answer Financial Inc.'s unique business approach to create the Insurance Answer Center (IAC), a robust Internet application integrated with a 24-hour call center that allows affinity group members to compare and buy auto, life and annuity insurance from more than 50 carriers. The Insurance Answer Center allows customers to leverage the "anytime, anywhere" aspects of the Internet while giving them the ability to speak to a licensed professional when investigating and purchasing insurance coverage options. With this integrated approach, Sapient has helped IAC to change the way people purchase insurance. "Sapient's drive and impressive track record in development and integration of applications was critical in helping us quickly implement a new business model," said Alan Snyder, president and CEO of Answer Financial Inc., IAC's parent company. "I do not know of any company that could have met AFI's needs as rapidly or as reliably as Sapient." By leveraging a mix of custom and package software -- including a management system, quoting engines, application filing software and middleware to act as the connective tissue among multiple technologies -- Sapient was able, in less than a year, to build and integrate the only insurance Web site that provides 24/7 access to licensed, salaried professionals who can provide complete pre- and post-sales service. Additionally, the site is designed to give potential buyers unlimited free quotes and do side-by-side comparisons on prices, companies and insurance company ratings. With this leading-edge technology, customers are now able to assess their coverage needs and obtain the plan that best satisfies their requirements. "We are extremely pleased to be involved in this revolutionary new business model for the insurance industry," said Desmond Varady, senior vice president of Sapient. "Our experience in working with companies that are driving change through technology enabled us to rapidly understand the business problem and develop an innovative solution that leverages the Internet as a selling and communication medium." About Insurance Answer Center Founded in June 1997 by seasoned financial services executives, IAC is a licensed insurance agency subsidiary of Answer Financial Inc., which provides auto, home, life insurance and annuity products from more than 50 insurance companies. The IAC can be contacted over the Internet or by its toll-free phone service 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Offered exclusively to employers and affinity groups, the service provides extensive and unbiased information, along with side-by-side quotes of competing insurance products. Insurance companies are selected by AFI based on product, independent third-party rating, customer service quality and technological capability. Insurance companies do not pay to participate in the Insurance Answer Center and the IAC does not accept incentives to advertise or promote a given product or carrier over another.