Applied Systems' InScope Extends Insurance Operating Hours With Internet-Based, Customer Facing Services.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2001

Applied Systems(R) announced today a recent upward sales trend of a unique application for agents and brokers, InScope(TM), and the positive effect it is having on its clients and their customers. InScope is a web-based customer self-service interface that allows agencies to securely extend critical information and services directly from their agency management systems to their customers. This includes policy/agency information, claims status, billing status, coverage information and account activity. InScope also allows the insured to print or fax auto ID cards or certificates of insurance.

Early third quarter sales orders have shown a significant increase in demand for InScope. In fact, Applied reports distributing half as many InScope licenses (within a 60 day period) as it did for the first and second quarters of 2001 combined. This comes on the heels of an aggressive awareness campaign aimed at Applied clients with the necessary minimum requirements to run InScope. Applied customers running The Agency Manager(R) Version 6.3 or later or The Agency Manager Vision Series(TM) are excellent candidates for this unique application.

While InScope allows the insurance agency or brokerage to extend its servicing hours, it also serves as a quick resource for consumers in need of policy information or proof of insurance. Commercial clients, such as trucking companies, contractors, or operations with late-night dispatching, would find InScope most useful and accommodating. On the other hand, personal lines clients may want to see what their deductible is because their policy is not easily accessible. All accounts established on InScope can be accessed over a secure Internet connection, any time of the day, any day of the week. Wayne Pardue, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing remarks, "There is a strong correlation between superior service and account retention and agency perpetuation. They go hand-in-hand. InScope provides an important service component to an agency's operations in that it serves the client beyond standard operating hours and traditional means, while enhancing the overall service experience."

Martha Moore, MIS Manager of Scott Insurance states, "Our agency looked at other industry offerings but did not want to go with a product with limited functionality. We wanted a solution that could expand and meet the individual expectations that each of our clients might require. Applied addressed that need with InScope." Scott Insurance, an Applied client on The Agency Manager since 1995, has over 100 employees utilizing the system daily. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, Scott Insurance has a long, rich history of providing quality insurance programs and services to their clients. In addition, Scott Insurance has facilities located in Danville, Roanoke and Richmond, Virginia, as well as Greensboro, North Carolina. Moore also adds, "The key here is that we represent a diverse group of clients, and each client has different needs and partnerships with our agency for different reasons. With InScope, we can provide the information to meet each client's needs."

InScope is compatible and integrates seamlessly with The Agency Manager and Vision Series management systems. The insurance operation has a measure of control of what information is accessible, and can run detailed reports on who is using the system, and how they are using it. If the InScope inquiry cannot be resolved, the customer can alert the agency with a detailed email message.

As InScope continues to gain momentum in the industry, Applied projects over 300 agencies will be running it by the end of 2002 or triple its current user base. For more information on InScope, contact Shannon Martin, InScope Product Manager at 800-999-5368 or by email at [e-mail].

About Applied Systems: Applied Systems is a leading provider of automation solutions for the property and casualty insurance industry. Since 1983, we have been developing software for independent insurance agents, brokers, managing general agents, insurance companies and other financial institutions with insurance operations, such as banks. We have helped over 10,000 clients take their operations to new levels of success with our leading management system The Agency Manager(R). The Diamond System(TM), a policy processing system for insurance companies, and our success in Electronic Data Interchange have propelled Applied Systems as the technology frontrunner of the industry. Combined with our consulting services, rating solutions and third party integration, Applied has the ability to automate the insurance transaction at every level of the distribution system.