Technology Bites

About the time we were heavily into the production cycle for the current issue of Insurance Journal-Texas/South Central, with its focus on technology issues, technology took a bite out of our offices. We were attacked by the so-called Klez worm, a particularly slimy Internet virus that burrows into one’s e-mail system and blasts itself out to everyone in your address book. It’s obnoxious at the very least, devastating at the worst.

Despite having virus protection software in place it slipped into our computer systems before we had the most up-to-date virus definitions in place, as is typical with new virus breeds. E-mails ping-ponged back and forth with frustrating ease, creating mayhem and havoc. (One characteristic of the Klez is that it can “spoof” or falsify the name of the sender of mass e-mails it sends out, making recipients think the infected e-mail is coming from the named sender when it may not be.) At least one editor’s computer was brought to its knees.

TW32/Klez.G@mm (Norman), W32/Klez.gen@MM, W32/Klez.I (Panda), W32/Klez.K-mm, WORM_KLEZ.G (Trend)—the worm goes by many names but still smells the same: bad. So, if you happen to receive an e-mail from a friend or colleague with a funky-sounding phrase in the subject line—beware. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest IT expert and get some sound advice on how to deal with this thing.

Of course, technology’s not all bad, in fact it’s pretty nifty, and we’ve come to rely on it more and more everyday. In “XML Provides the Missing Link for SEMCI,” Joseph Mangan examines the promise and premise of XML and the XML standard in a way that even a non-techno savvy user like myself can understand. And in “Texas Offers IIABA’s First Virtual University Online Education Course,” Stewart Eisenhart takes a close look at how agents can now earn continuing education credits in the comfort of their own home or office online through the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas Web-site. ACORD’s Rick Gilman explains why, although they may not need to be able to develop new technologies, it is in agents’ best interests to be part of the planning process for the development of those technologies. Finally, check out this year’s Technology Directory, Volume 1, for the latest information on suppliers, consultants and resources for all your tech-related needs.

Everybody knows, however, that all technology and no business makes life very dull. That’s why we’re featuring Charles Boyle’s in-depth analysis of those rosy earnings reports that have been issuing forth from carriers daily since the end of the first reporting period. In “Insurance Industry Posts Strong Q1 Gains—How Real Are They?” Boyle looks beyond what the carriers are saying to interpret what they really mean—and to determine what message the reports contain for the professional agent in the business of selling insurance.

As always, comments, kudos and criticism, or suggestions are welcome. Let us hear from you.