Description: Briefly reviews the history of Information Technology, IT, in the life insurance business. It then talks about the emerging trends in IT management and the impact they likely will have on the work of the life insurance actuary.

Description: This article summarizes the Retirement Systems Practice Area Advanced Technology Working Group Report. Formed to project developments in technology and their applications, the Advanced Technology Working Group’s goal was to improve all aspects of Society of Actuaries services for its members in the retirement systems practice area. Although the emphasis was on pension actuaries, many ideas are equally applicable to other areas.

Description: Book review of The Mathematical Sciences, A Collection of 22 Essays, by the National Research Council's Committee on Support of Research in the Mathematical Sciences.

Description: This is a summary of a more extensive paper on the question of a programming language. This article discusses the trend to develop computer languages for the subject-matter specialist instead of for the professional programmer or computing machinery.

Description: In the second half of 1997, magazine and newspaper reports started appearing in droves about the presumed doomsday of Jan. 1, 2000, for any and all activities associated with computers. This article discusses the 'Y2K problem' and the costs of addressing it.

Description: APL is both a unique form of mathematical notation and a programming language. As a notation it has intrinsic appeal and gives rise to many elegant and ingenious definitions of mathematical concepts. As a programming Language, or system, it also provides the user with instant evaluation of these concepts. The combination is extremely powerful, and some interesting applications may be demonstrated with respect to annuities.

Description: Comments on the article “Developing an Actuarial Programming Language” by Russell J. Mueller in the April newsletter in which it was suggested that “a study should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of developing” such a language. In this connection, the author feels it to be appropriate to draw attention to some practical considerations which should form part of such a study.

Description: In January 1936, William Phillips, a London actuary, presented a paper to the Institute in which he recommended a methodology to allow life insurance companies to automate their actuarial calculations. This article discusses Phillps' work in this area.

Description: This article provides responses to a March 1981 query in The Actuary about the use of home computers.

Description: This article provides a list of insurance related Internet websites.