EF summer 08.indd - National Association of Professional Allstate ...

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technology Allstate Agents Have a Choice BY BRYAN GERMAN Some Allstate agents know about it. Some don’t. Some Allstate agents are concerned about it. Some aren’t. So what are we talking about While the topic of this article is centered around Allstate’s broad new initiative called “New Roads to Growth,” we will be focused primarily on what the company calls “Agent Choice Technology” (ACT) and “Agent Owned Technology” (AOT). These terms actually appear to be synonymous and are used interchangeably with each other. The bottom line is that agency owners will now have the ability to make their own technology choices, subject to some minimum specifications set by Allstate. This means agents will be able to buy or lease the equipment that best suits their needs and hire service providers that offer the best options for their agencies. “New Roads to Growth,” fondly known as NRG, was designed by Allstate, at least in part, to rid itself of the ownership, maintenance and support of its agents’ computer (data), telephone (voice) and, in some cases, other communication systems. Currently, agents are using equipment that is provided to them at no cost by Allstate via a long term lease with IBM. The company has chosen not to continue providing this service. Although this decision changes the way agencies have traditionally done business, it is a great opportunity to replace outdated equipment and take advantage of the newer technologies that are now available to small and mediumsize businesses. According to information currently available, NRG, including its AOT/ ACT component, will be rolled out to all agencies in stages. This roll out will take approximately two years, bringing an end to the company-paid technology and tech support that Allstate agents have enjoyed for more than 20 years. Use of the company’s current proprietary software and corporate support of it will continue as it presently exists. The NRG roll out is currently underway in two regions of the country. So what assistance is available to agency owners as they struggle to learn more about the new technologies available to them First, Allstate will provide financial allowances to help ease the transition. This financial assistance has been designed to help agencies with what many agents perceive as a major agency expense. Furthermore, Allstate has negotiated a package of replacement products with the well-known communication giant Verizon. It is important to remember that agency owners can make their own choices, which is why the company coined the phrase “Agent Choice Technology,” or ACT. Agents are not required to use the Verizon solution. The company simply wanted to provide a one-stop solution for those agencies who want a quick fix. There are a number of other companies, however, offering solutions that may be both more cost-effective and better suited for individual agency owners. A number of these alternatives to Verizon have demonstrated their support for NAPAA and the agents of Allstate by advertising in Exclusivefocus magazine, on the NAPAA Website, www.napaausa.org, and in other NAPAA publications. These companies include, among others, Expetec Technology Services, Inc., Sprint and Holland Computer. These companies are vying for your business and have spent considerable time and effort putting attractive packages together. The ability to choose your own voice and data system is critical because they are the heart and soul of your business. Price, availability of local service, leasing programs and customized hardware are issues each agency owner must consider as they review their options. Quite possibly the most important consideration in the migration to NRG is the choice as to whether or not to take advantage of the exciting new technology that will allow agents to run their business more efficiently. Making the correct investment in technology today may dramatically improve agent’s bottom line for years to come. VOIP – WHAT IS THAT VoIP (an internet telephone) has many advantages over regular phone service. Based on current market trends, it is inevitable that VoIP will eventually replace traditional phone service – in fact, phone companies are already taking advantage of the technology to offer cheaper long distance rates. 46 — Exclusivefocus Summer 2008
One of the main advantages of VoIP is its low cost. If agents have a fast Internet connection (DSL or cable) they can make PC-to-PC phone calls anywhere in the world for FREE. If they wish to make a PC-to-phone connection, however, there's usually a charge but it’s probably much cheaper than your regular phone service. Agents may also sign up with a VoIP service provider that charges a monthly fee in return for unlimited calls within a certain geographic area. For example, some VoIP services in the United States allow callers to call anywhere in North America at no extra charge. Overseas calls are charged at a relatively small rate. Another advantage of VoIP is portability. Agents can make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection simply by signing in to their VoIP account. This makes VoIP as convenient as e-mail. If travelling, simply pack a headset or Internet phone and an agent can talk to family or business associates for next to nothing. Phone-to-phone VoIP is also portable. When signing up with a VoIP service provider, the Internet phone or adaptor that is used with that service is assigned a unique number. This 'phone number' remains valid even if VoIP service is in Cleveland and the agent is connected to the Internet in Seattle. An Internet phone is small and light enough to take with you anywhere. Simply plug it into a broadband connection anywhere in the world and the caller can make and receive calls just as though they were in their own home or office. There are many other features that make VoIP attractive. Call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and three-way calling are some of the many services included with Internet telephone at no extra charge. Agents may also send data such as pictures and documents at the same time they are talking on the phone. With the NRG program, Allstate Agents are also faced with supplying their own computer equipment/hardware. The Verizon offering has Dell computers as its hardware vendor. To some, Dell may have a reputation of providing a great product at an attractive price. To others, the computer giant has been a source of constant problems. One question agents need to ask is “what happens when I need help” Are you prepared to sit on the line with tech support while they work to resolve your issue Wouldn’t it be great to be able to contact a local provider when help is needed Agents are encouraged to shop around to locate a computer hardware vendor that will work with them to determine exactly what their business needs are and one that will be there for them long after the purchase of equipment. MSP – WHAT IS THAT Understanding HOW a supplier supports their customers is as important as understanding WHO will support them. Will the company only “show-up” when you call or do they have a program that provides unlimited support for a fixed monthly rate A Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers just that. An MSP utilizes software to manage businesses computer needs. These remote tools allow the MSP to virtually manage a company’s entire network operations offsite without ever having to step foot into the company. This innovative technology allows Allstate agents to focus on what they do best – selling insurance - and keeps the agent’s IT expense to a minimum. For many agents, the process of converting from a company-owned and supported communications system may seem an overwhelming and daunting task. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Many companies, such as those listed above, are putting together quality product lines especially designed for Allstate agents. Companies providing quality local service can be an enormous help to agents who are trying to make sense out of the technology conundrum. These companies are more apt to be able to demonstrate or fully explain the available options and recommend any appropriate upgrades. Some of these same companies are Managed Service Providers that can remotely and proactively support your system. Just remember, you DO have a choice!! Bryan German is the Operations Manager for Expetec Technology Services, a Computer Hardware and Remote Managed Services Provider franchise. If you have questions regarding this article or would like additional information, please contact Bryan at bgerman@expetec.com or 888- 297-2292 Ext. 3016. NRG, A Better Choice. See how effortless it is to fully utilize the power of your technology. Expetec Technology Services is ready to help Allstate agents with: New telephone equipment New computer hardware - leases available Remote computer management (see article in this publication) A FREE Technology Assessment Our Experts. Your Technology. Contact Bryan German 888-209-3954 www.expetec.com Locations throughout U.S. and Canada Summer 2008 Exclusivefocus — 47
Page 1 and 2: Exclusivefocus Summer 2008 An Offic
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Page 6 and 7: president’s letter Farewell Messa
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Page 16 and 17: 16 — Exclusivefocus Summer 2008
Page 18 and 19: the thief becomes your health infor
Page 20 and 21: agent issues The Kafka Interview IN
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Page 26 and 27: feature There Must be a Better Way.
Page 28 and 29: elated bonus. His first step is to
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Page 34 and 35: membership musings Standing By You
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Page 48 and 49: June 10, 2008 Ladies and Gentlemen
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