Applied Systems Acquires Artizan Internet Services

Insurance technology company Applied Systems today announced it has acquired Artizan Internet Services, expanding capabilities around agency and broker management systems while meeting the demand for online communication between agents and insurance consumers. 
 
Among the software products Artizan brings into the Applied Systems fold is CSR24®, the state-of-the-art solution that allows agents to offer their insureds agency-branded, online customer service, including on-demand access to their policy information. In addition, CSR24 enables round-the-clock claims reporting on the Web and by phone as well as self-service elements, including the ability to print documents such as auto ID cards, policies and many additional documents stored on agency management systems. 
 
“We heard the agent and broker community clamoring for secure 24/7 connection to their own customers, and we knew this was the next level of service we could provide for insurance professionals,” said Applied Systems Chairman and CEO James P. Kellner as he announced the acquisition along with Richard H. Roy, Artizan president. 
 
Kellner and Roy believe that together, Applied Systems and Artizan offer new advantages for managing insurance relationships. The centerpiece of the new union is the all-important integration of CSR24—and later, other Artizan products—with all agency or broker management systems. The companies’ joint efforts create the industry’s strongest seamless approach to managing technology shared by agents, carriers and end consumers, Kellner and Roy agreed.
 
For some time, Applied Systems TAM® (The Agency Manager®), Epic® and Vision®   have been among the agency and broker management solutions that integrate with CSR24. Kellner and Roy said that common ownership will foster development for even greater efficiencies and effectiveness.  They emphasized that Artizan will continue to develop and deliver solutions for agency and broker management systems from all technology vendors, not just those from Applied Systems.
 
Kellner said the Artizan acquisition came about after he consulted with Roy on the future development of a 24/7online consumer connection. Roy’s company already had the industry’s best solution but wanted additional financial resources to advance the technology and grow Artizan’s staff and infrastructure, Kellner said. He noted that Artizan will maintain its headquarters in Windsor, Connecticut, as well as its development office in Phoenix, Arizona. The entire Artizan management team and staff remain in place.
 
In addition to CSR24, Artizan products include InsWorld®, an electronic publishing and communication service; certTrax®, a Web-based system for reviewing and managing certificates of insurance for compliance; and WebServices® for templated and customized agency or broker Web site design. Since the acquisition, Artizan has undertaken CSR24 testing to develop integration with broker management systems in Canada. Those integrations are targeted for later this year.
 
“Every agency and broker office is looking to make the most of existing sales and service operations,” Kellner said. “Artizan’s outstanding suite of products and services allows them to enhance the work they’re already doing every day with their agency and broker management systems.” 
 
Applied Systems, Inc., develops, sells and supports insurance agency and broker management systems and provides services for accounting, customer, policy, claims management, and all related agent and broker functions.