Risk managers at large corporations have enjoyed access to sophisticated RMIS tools for some time now, but their smaller counterparts were left in the lurch because of the high cost of the systems. This is no longer the case, thanks to investments being made by their independent insurance agents and brokers in more informational, interactive and transactional websites.

These website portals are now gradually giving way or being augmented by mobile business apps connected to agency servers on premises or in the cloud. For risk managers or others charged with managing risk and buying insurance within small and medium size enterprises, the apps provide instant access to insurance-related information like policy coverage terms and conditions, and offer a secure way to file claims and make insurance policy changes, such as adding another truck to the commercial vehicle program.

While business apps have been proliferating throughout the business world, they have only recently caught up to the needs of SME risk managers. Part of the sluggishness is attributable to the SME's insurance agencies and brokerages, which were capital strapped by the double whammy impact of the recession and a soft insurance market. With the recession in remission and insurance prices creeping upward, more dollars are in agency coffers to upgrade technology systems.