imarket revamps quote system

The imarket X-Form, which is the technology behind the web browser and the interaction between quotes, claims and accounts, is being replaced following broker criticism that it needed to change.

As a result of the changes, a "cleaner, easier to navigate" version will be introduced in January. According to a Polaris statement, "the new forms will exploit technology known as 'dynamic questioning', meaning that only those questions relevant to each insurance product will be presented to users." The forms will be integrated with the IBM imarket platform.

It continued: "The shorter forms will be easier to navigate and, using Web 2.0 technology, will be validated immediately, with messages displayed without the entire webpage being refreshed." It added: "For insurers, these new forms will make it easier and quicker to launch new products as only the imarket front end will have to be configured." A Polaris spokesman said the software house was reacting to brokers' demands.

Mike Williams, chief executive of software company edge IPK, which is developing the new forms, said: "This is a perfect example of how portal technology can have a major impact on new business revenue for insurers, while providing an enhanced user experience for the broker."

- imarket has added a training section to its imarketinfo.co.uk advice website for brokers. The site now contains a training section with step-by-step guides to print and tips from system users (see left).