Data's new dawn

Despite understandable cynicism after numerous false starts, the prospect of FSA supervision has finally galvanised the broker IT market into life - although the dream of a common data platform for all insurers may yet prove elusive, reports Liz Booth

Ask most brokers about 'targeted systems', and you are likely to get a sceptical shrug of the shoulders and a cynical reply. Equally, a large fanfare to greet the arrival of a new IT company or software product is likely to be viewed with a decidedly jaundiced eye. Brokers freely admit they have become jaded by the hype and are hanging back, waiting to be presented with evidence of fully-developed systems that genuinely suit their needs.

Over the past few years, and particularly with the