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To the members of the SOA Technology Section
This is my final update before I hand over the reins to Paula Hodges at the SOA Annual Meeting in Chicago. Thanks for listening.
Newsletter (CompAct)
We have now firmly established a quarterly publication schedule for CompAct, and the October edition will be a crackerjack issue, initiating a debate on Open versus Closed Systems. Our editor Shyamal Kumar has done such a wonderful job that the Section Council has asked him to continue in the position for an extended term, and he has graciously accepted.
We would love to hear from you on topics that interest you. Please contact the editor at Shyamal Kumar. We would also invite you to respond to the published articles.
We would also like to hear from you on how Information technology has changed relationships between insurers, providers, employees and vendors, for a series of articles coming up in a future newsletter. Please submit your articles to Shyamal Kumar.
Here's a reminder that we will be awarding a prize for the best article published in CompAct between June 2006 and May 2007. Now's your chance to win an iPod Shuffle® 1GB (or equivalent mp3 player).
Speculative Fiction Contest
The Technology Section will be sponsoring another Speculative Fiction Contest very soon. Gary Lange will be providing details in the next edition of CompAct. I really enjoyed reading the winning submissions last time around – maybe I'll gather the courage to compete this time, and I really hope you will.
Full details can be found here: 2006 Annual Meeting and Exhibit.
SOA Annual Meeting in Chicago
Building on the success of previous meetings, the Technology Section is sponsoring a record number of sessions at this year's annual meeting. The sessions include:
Competing on Analytics
Expect an interesting discussion on why companies are turning to analytical competition because traditional factors like market differentiation and brand image have disappeared or are losing value.
Project Management for Actuaries
At this session, you'll receive hands–on practical advice for any actuaries called on to manage a project.
Technology – Is the Insurance Industry doing enough?
You can attend our Hot Breakfast and discussion on the potential for greater use of technology in our industry, or have we already gone too far?
Is Your Information Safe?
Learn about the real threats to information security and what can be done to counter them.
Information Technology in Financial Reporting
This open forum is an opportunity to share information technology experiences relating to financial reporting.
Technology Section Reception at the Annual Meeting in Chicago
The Technology Section is hosting a reception at Harry Caray's. This 110–year–old historic landmark building showcases the late broadcaster's hall of fame career with a museum–quality collection of baseball memorabilia. This reception is an opportunity to network and socialize or just enjoy the food.
On the menu are hors d'oeuvres consisting of:
- Harry's Bruschetta with shaved Parmigiano–Reggiano
- Roasted Pork Loin with Orange Cilantro Compote
- Grilled Chicken and Sun Dried Tomato Relish on Focaccia
- Spinach and Parmesan Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Italian Sausage and Peppers Skewers
- Toasted Cheese Ravioli with Marinara
- Carving station, including rolls and condiments
- Tenderloin of Beef, Peppercorn Style
Register now as space is limited!
Scenario File Format Working Group
The scenario file format project is underway with eight participants. Two conference calls have been held and a listserve has been created for the project team. Initial discussions are focusing on the information content of scenario files, and the focus is on being flexible and comprehensive, allowing quite a bit of optional content.
The team agreed that the end product should comprise four items:
- a file format specification
- software modules that provide read/write interfaces to the data
- documentation of both the file format and the software modules
- a simple scenario manager application that allows creation and viewing of scenarios.
The overall goal is to make the new format easy for independent developers to adopt and easy for actuaries to use. The team has also agreed to initially develop an XML file specification, and then determine later, after experimentation, whether an alternate binary format is desirable to meet needs for speed or random access.
Volunteers interested in participating can email Steve Strommen.
Elections to Section Council
I am pleased to announce the list of candidates elected to the Technology Section Council:
- Joseph Liuzzo (3–year term)
- David Minches (3–year term)
- Carl Nauman (3–year term)
- Van Beach (2–year term)
Congratulations and welcome to the Council.
Changing of the Guard – A Message from Paula
At the Annual Meeting in October, Phil Gold will be completing his year as chair of the Technology Council, and I, Paula Hodges, will be stepping into his shoes. Phil's leadership over the last year has brought us several significant accomplishments: A survey of our membership was conducted; four CompAct newsletters will have been published; a new working group was formed for development of standards for scenario generators; our web pages have been redesigned; and more!
As Phil has raised the bar on what the Technology Council and Section can accomplish, I will work hard to find out what we've missed. Our section is comprised of very special individuals in the SOA, and it is our Council's mission to leverage our members' unique talents to support our profession.
Please contact me, Paula Hodges, 402.328.5970, or any Council member regarding your ideas for our next year. Or join us at Harry Caray's prior to the Annual meeting to talk with us in person. I look forward to hearing from you!
Finally – Thanks Phil, for an outstanding year!!
(I didn't write this – honest! Phil)
Council Membership
See you in Chicago,
Phil
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