Whats the most important area of an insurance carriers operation? Underwriting? Claims? Information technology? The fact that IT is an equal playeror even includedin this question indicates how far technology has come in recent years. Not all that long ago, whoever ran the IT department was well below the C-level. But today, CIOs at companies large and small are firmly entrenched in the executive suite and report directly to the CEO.

The value of IT and an emphasis on results have put IT on the same plane as other departments and driven new relationships as business and technology become increasingly intertwined in the development of corporate initiatives. Weve recognized the importance of IT and leveraging it for projects across the enterprise, says Kathy Ellwood, director corporate strategy for Nationwide Insurance. The key is how do you make it happen. How do you transfer the concept into reality?

Businesses stung by failed ventures have recognized the need to bring their business side together with the technology side. There has to be a willingness on the side of business to rethink the value and critical necessity for IT, says Ellwood.