Description: This is a discussion from the June 2000 meeting of the Society of Actuaries in San Diego, looking at the evolution of e-commerce for the insurance business.

Description: A new wave of life insurance buyers is finally here - but are we ready? In this article, Richard De Sousa shares proprietary research about the Millenial generation, its beliefs related to life insurance, and its preferences when it comes to learning about, purchasing, and engaging with life insurance products, advisors and companies. Also explored is the foundational role that technology and wellness play in driving the kind of experience that will attract millenial buyers. After reading this article, you will better understand the characteristics of this new generation as well as the innovative companies that are targeting them, and learn about different and novel ways to better engage with customers and enhance the value of your own products and services.

Description: From a session at a meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in San Diego, CA, June 22-23, 2000 Topics covered in this session included: 1. Which customer segments may or may not be Internet-literate and how they can be identified, 2. How to determine the needs of identified customer segments and which of these needs can be served through the Internet, 3. Product consideration given Internet distribution, including design, agent involvement, and regulatory/compliance considerations.

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?