Short-term insurance specialist Dalys & Associates has contracted Comparex Africa`s Tetra division for the migration of its financial management system from an Informix and Unix solution to a Microsoft Windows NT/2000 and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 platform and database.
The company`s preference for the Sage CS/3 solution came as a result of a need for improved speed, an advanced level of functionality, accessibility, adaptability and customised configuration capability. In line with these needs, Comparex Africa Tetra - the largest Sage reseller outside the UK - migrated the system from a C-ISAM (flatfile) to a relational database.
"As an insurance broker, we pay claims from our own funds on behalf of underwriters at Lloyds," says Greg Lendis, administrative director at Dalys & Associates.
"The design of the new system in a relational database grants our various independent satellite companies immediate access to the claims facility for the production of policies, claims, monthly management accounts and financials without having to call in to head office to request a policy. They`re now able to communicate directly with the database so that claims can be settled in a fraction of the time. The flatfile format could not allow that. Improved visibility and accessibility allow for higher levels of service and rapid return on investment."
The company had the alternative of remaining with Informix and advancing to the IDS WorkGroup edition. The decision to shift to Microsoft Windows NT/2000 and the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 platform and database was particularly attractive due to Microsoft SQL Server`s competitive licensing policies, together with the software`s exceptional performance capability, enhanced speed across the database and overall reduced total cost of ownership - ideal for satellite companies.
"The SQL Server 2000 platform also offers tremendous flexibility from a development and strategic point of view, as Dalys & Associates has standardised on Microsoft Visual Basic for product development and enhancement," says Comparex Africa Tetra project manager Dale Barnard. "The Microsoft platform also provides the most cost-effective solution for the small to medium enterprise market, providing opportunities for the future deployment of the underwriters and claims systems to independent brokerages."
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