AMS Introduces TransactNOW; Practical Real-Time Workflow for Agents and Carriers.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2003

AMS Services, Inc. introduces TransactNOW, a product that enables interface communication between carriers, agents and the AMS Services management system product line. TransactNOW allows agents to process business transactions with carriers via a seamless single-entry workflow, without ever having to leave their management system.

The AMS Users' Group recently surveyed AMS customers through a SEMCI Reform Petition. The 2,100 agencies that responded represent more than 14 billion dollars in premium volume. The initial release brings many top carriers (identified by premium volume) live on TransactNOW, supporting billing and claims inquiry - the highest volume transactions identified in the survey. Carriers that have adopted TransactNOW for the initial release include Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Encompass Insurance, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Kemper Auto and Home, Progressive Insurance, SAFECO Property and Casualty Insurance Companies, The St. Paul Companies and Travelers Property Casualty.

Dave Shea, president and CEO of AMS Services Agency Markets, stated, "The ability for our agents to effectively process transactions with carriers through their management systems is vital to the success of their business. TransactNOW was developed to provide AMS and carriers with a solution that allows for rapid development and roll-out of new transactions and additional carriers, leveraging resources already developed and employed in the market. The support we have received from the AMS Users' Group and the carriers shows the practical approach that TransactNOW delivers is truly innovative. This initial launch is just the beginning. We will be adding new transactions and additional carriers as quickly as possible. TransactNOW added to the other interface options we already have keeps AMS in the leadership position of agency automation."

Travelers was one of the first carriers to implement TransactNOW. David Findley, senior vice president of operations for personal and commercial lines, shared his thoughts on the announcement. "Travelers has focused on delivering rich Internet-based automation functionality for our agents. We recognized early on that many agents may prefer to process transactions directly from their agency management systems. TransactNOW offers agents the best of both worlds -- single-entry from within the management system and access to robust carrier web site features - yielding a real improvement for their workflows. This is truly an exciting advancement for AMS agents."

"I commend AMS Services and the participating carriers on the introduction of this new technology which enables agents to save several minutes each time they do a billing or claims inquiry," said Jeff Yates, executive director of IIABA's Agents Council for Technology (ACT). "The new technology addresses agent concerns by allowing them to perform these functions from within their own systems, thus eliminating the need to log on to a company web site, navigating to a specific section, and then entering specific policyholder information. All of these steps are eliminated by a single click. Wow! Agents shouldn't wait on implementing this one!"

"The AMS Users' Group has been involved with the development of TransactNOW from the very beginning", said Pam Parry the User's Group president. "We worked together to ensure the product delivered exactly what TransactNOW's tagline says - practical interface workflow. The number of carrier partners we have achieved in a short period proves the potential of the product. We are excited to continue this development partnership with AMS."

Work is already underway on a significant expansion of TransactNOW to add carriers and support more business transactions. For further information, contact AMS at [e-mail]

AMS Services, Inc. provides software and automation services to insurance agents, brokers, carriers, banks, MGAs and other distributors of insurance and financial services. To learn more out AMS products and services, call 800-444-4813 or visit our Web site at www.ams-services.com.