New technologies and innovations have permeated almost all industries including the insurance industry. About half of the insurance carriers are “in the cloud” and the carriers are not alone. By leveraging the cloud, many of our clients in the insurance industry have enjoyed greater quality and efficiency for their products, claims and business practices. By using cloud and related technologies, the carriers are able to rapidly roll out new lines and products as well as to differentiate themselves through personalized service.
In particular, the insurers are leveraging the cloud when entering new geographies and they need to get started very quickly (e.g., trying out workers comp insurance in a new state). The cloud is helping them to quickly exploit niche opportunities and achieve first-mover advantage.
As the insurance carriers and producers (the agents and brokers) are embracing this shift to the cloud, we’re often asked…If my line-of-business application is in the cloud, do I still need a server? And in most cases, we feel the answer is “yes” depending upon the size of your company—despite accessing their business software, in this case insurance software via the cloud, there is still a need for local network management efficiencies for security, scanning, printing and more.
In order to ensure compliance with PCI, HIPPA and more, the local devices (e.g. desktop, laptop, tablets, etc.) need to be monitored and maintained. This includes the basics such as Microsoft updates and anti-virus but should be extended to security policies that enforce password policies and protection. Even in a cloud environment, you don’t want to risk your data being compromised, downloaded or otherwise.
Are you still confused about the shift to the cloud and how it impacts your business? IT Radix can help. Give us a call today.
First published in our July 2015 IT Radix Resource newsletter
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