RSUI Speeds Delivery of Policy Documents with SharePoint-Based Solution

Wholesale specialty insurance underwriter RSUI has sped the delivery of policy reports and other documents to customers through the deployment of a new extranet based on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006.

The extranet replaced a manual process through which information was pulled from the company’s database, entered into forms and emailed to customers.

RSUI worked with Intellinet, a company with which it had a previous relationship, to help it implement an extranet solution that would allow customers more direct access to policy information.

RSUI and Intellinet selected SharePoint Server 2007, and because security was also a priority, they selected ISA Server 2006 to authenticate user credentials and authorize access to network resources. With the solution the companies created, RSUI customers can use single sign-on and forms-based authentication to connect to different services and information, such as downloading a customized application or printing a loss-run report.

“We expect the advent of a security-enhanced, collaborative workspace where our clients and employees can communicate will significantly increase our competitive stance in the marketplace,” says Kelly Walls, chief information officer at RSUI.

The extranet currently serves between 20 to 25 managing general agents and 60 wholesale producers. The extranet’s centralized management and deployment features make it easier for the company to add more users and content easily. RSUI expects to double that number by the end of 2007.

The new extranet also provides a more collaborative environment where the customer can actively participate in customization of documents and other services.

“Long-term, this solution will continue to add value as we take advantage of built-in security features for critical next-generation applications that would be vulnerable otherwise,” says Walls.