Description: 1999 SOA Annual Meeting, San Francisco. This panel analyzed the choices between purchasing actuarial software and developing the software in-house. Topics discussed: 1. Determination of software needs. 2. Evaluation of software packages. 3. Combining in-house developed software with commercial software. 4. Modifying commercial software to the needs of the organization. 5. Staffing and training for in-house developments versus staffing and training for installation of purchased software.

Description: This panel discussion was session number 3 at the 2004 Society of Actuaries Spring Meeting, held in San Antonio, TX June 14-15. The panelists explored the problems between actuaries and IT people, how neither either understands the other's perspective, with frustrating results for both sides. But the speakers feel that, “with some tolerance and understanding, both can profit from the other's approach.” A theme in the discussion was that better communication will improve understanding. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 30, No. 2.

Description: Presented at May 2002 Spring Meeting. This session explains how there is a fuzzy boundary between the actuarial area and the non-actuarial information technology 'IT' departments at most insurance companies. Panelists share first-hand experience of working relationships between actuarial and IT departments and the problems they have encountered.