Agents using AMS AfW systems will no longer have to bridge to or log on to the Travelers Web site to get a quote when using IVAN WebSEMCI, [short for Single-Entry Multiple-Company Interface], said Anna England, vice president of IVANS Insurance e-commerce solutions division, in a statement.

The latest release, says IVANS, allows WebSEMCI to request and receive ACORD XML transactions.

David Findley, senior vice president of operations for Travelers commercial and personal lines, said that with the new release, agents submitting their small commercial account business to the carrier over the Internet will receive a real-time, accurate quote.

"We are very pleased that IVANS has provided these capabilities for AMS agents," said Mr. Findley in his statement. "Since IVANS has integrated WebSEMCI with Transformation Station [the software developed to make this bridge], Travelers is able to reap the benefits we envisioned.

"Having one communications and data translation platform to receive ACORD XML from agents with AMS, Applied and DORIS provides Travelers and the industry a cost-effective means of delivering SEMCI. Travelers is committed to providing independent agents with SEMCI solutions."

A spokesman at Travelers said the carrier is the first to introduce this product for AMS users.