Description: You really can have it all: readily available and relevant information derived from consistent and understood data. Getting at the Truth requires a good datawarehouse design and an appropriate business data model. Add a powerful and flexible Web–based analytical interface to get at the data and success in the pursuit of Truth will happen.

Description: Implementation of GAAP Targeted Improvements will impact data, reporting, resourcing and governance. This provides an ideal opportunity to rethink some of the data and reporting processes currently in place and how they can be improved to create effective and scalable solutions for the future. With the transition date already behind us for public companies and preparation in motion, we will share insights into how organizations have started to tackle implementing the GAAP Targeted Improvements. The presenters will share insights on data and process challenges and possible solutions, as well as a 'smart compliance' approach to comply with the most valuable aspects of compliance. Resourcing strategies for successful implementation will also be discussed.

Description: This presentation is a panel discussion, session 32PD, from the 2004 Spring Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held May 19-21 in Anaheim, CA. The concept of data warehousing means different things to different people. For actuaries, the primary focus is on improved access to timely information and applications that enable them to work more efficiently and produce better results. The panelists discuss the business side of data warehouses, noting that the real value in a data warehouse, or in an analytic platform, is whether you can actually use the data after you get it out, and discuss experiences in building data warehouses for actuaries in life and health companies. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of Society of Actuaries, Volume 30, No. 1.

Description: The barrier between humans and machines continues to blur, but curiously, this may have been prediction thousands of years ago in ancient myths. This article looks to how some of the early legends are becoming manifest in modern technology, particularly in the area of elder care. From automation, to humanoid assistants, to mind clones will the age of technology bring a new utopia?