Laserfiche, EZ Data and EMSI

Tech Bits appears on the web and in IN Daily every Friday. Comments are welcome at IN Editor@InvestmentNews. Laserfiche 8 now available Laserfiche, a Long Beach, Calif.-based document-management unit of Compulink Management Center Inc., yesterday announced the release of Laserfiche 8. Among other enhancements, the new version provides tighter integration with Microsoft Office applications, in particular Microsoft’s SharePoint collaboration software. The software also includes a redesigned business-automation module built on the Windows Workflow Foundation engine and has improved on the Laserfiche search engine. The company has also modified its use of the HTTP communication protocol in order to simplify firewall configuration and improve performance over wide-area networks. The initial Laserfiche 8 release also includes enhanced versions of Workflow, a business automation module, and Audit Trail, which tracks user activity. Pricing for this new version is based on the number of licenses needed. It is most suited for larger advisory firms. As a frame of reference, Laserfiche Intuition Pro, a product suited to small firms, costs $1500. For more information visit Laserfiche or Intuition Pro. E-Z Data and EMSI combine to offer integrated ordering of underwriting requirements Examination Management Services Inc. based in Scottsdale, Ariz., and E-Z Data Inc. of Pasadena, Calif., announced today that users of E-Z Data’s SmartOffice and Commerce agency management systems can now order and receive status of insurance underwriting requirements from EMSI directly from within the E-Z Data system. This new platform provides advisers, brokers, agents and carriers with real-time electronic order processing results that can be viewed on EMSI’s website, EMSIOnline, increases order efficiency and reduces expenses. “Agencies and brokerages will be able to access EMSIOnline's full range of services from the convenience of their E-Z Data system.” Mark Davis, president and chief executive officer of EMSI, said in a statement. “Our national network of brokerage sales professionals is currently reaching out to users of E-Z Data’s systems to transition them to the new process.” For more information visit E-Z Data or EMSI. Davis D. Janowski is the technology reporter for InvestmentNews. Read our weekly online columns: MONDAY: IN Practice by Maureen Wilke WEDNESDAY: OpINion Online by Evan Cooper THURSDAY: IN Retirement FRIDAY: Tech Bits by Davis. D. Janowski