When ACORD finds something they like, they want to share it with everyone. This year at the ACORD Conference that something was XML. Fully one-half of all scheduled sessions were focused on, or discussed XML. It seemed like every speaker was asked to work XML into their presentation. Im not suggesting that XML isnt incredibly useful, that XML isnt at the heart of the latest developments in distributed computing, or that Web services doesnt absolutely depend on XML. But give me a break! The September 13, 2000 edition of USA Today featured an article on the hottest thing on the web XML. Come on ACORD drop the hype you were scooped by McPaper two years ago.

Seriously, ACORD has made great strides in promoting XML-based standards for both the P&C and the life sides of the business. ACORD has wisely decided not to attempt to dictate how or which systems the industry should use. Instead, they are developing standard messages that any system can use. The life XML standards are more mature, as they were an extension of the OLifE object model developed a few years ago, but the P&C side is gaining momentum. ACORD now provides many workable DTDs that define common business messages and transactions. They are also working on a new eMerge initiative which will unify all ACORD standards. The stated goal of eMerge is to integrate existing ACORD standards into one common standard and partner with other standards bodies. eMerge will facilitate a more efficient transfer of data between trading partners worldwide. Lloyd A Chumbley, ACORD program manager for eMerge, said As we move into the future, eMerge will enable our industry to better leverage all of our technology assets by providing a standard, platform neutral language for all insurance transactions.

Satisfaction Guaranteed