IIABA said ACT had formed a team to create the ACTtech capability center. The site allows agents and brokers to research the real-time interface functionality of carriers and vendors and to obtain information about what companies are downloading.

ACTtech, according to IIABA, will allow users to get important updates on industry technology developments at one site.

The organization said ACT collaborated with InsuranceWorkz to develop the new capability center, and future enhancements are planned.

IIABA said insurance carriers and vendors are encouraged to register on the site and enter information regarding their agency interface technology.

"With a large group of committed individuals representing agencies, carriers, vendors and InsuranceWorkz, we were able to bring this capability to the industry," said Linda Dodson, communications chair of ACT's Agency Company Communications Working Group.

Although the service is in its first phase, Ms. Dodson said agents and brokers can immediately use the site to understand the tools that their carriers and vendors are offering. They also can obtain contact information and understand the services that are available.

Jeff Sartin, chief executive officer of InsuranceWorkz, said, "The service is a one-stop resource for agencies and brokerage firms to evaluate vendor and carrier automation capabilities.

"ACTtech gives immediate and detailed information regarding automation choices and offers comparisons of the interface technology offered, allowing an agent or broker to be well informed."

Mr. Dodson said the site features a customized report that allows agents to view exactly what their carriers are doing with respect to the agent's particular agency management system.

ACT provides a forum to address the critical technology issues facing the independent agency system. ACT helps participants understand the perspectives of the other stakeholders in the technology process.