Thunderhead NOW provides Guidewire clients with a robust, integrated platform that can be used across the enterprise for multiple communications purposes, including ad-hoc correspondence, interactive on-demand applications, or high-volume batch delivery. This partnership will enable insurers to more efficiently create, manage and deliver timely, accurate, personalised customer communications that are integral to their policy, billing and claims processes.

In addition, the Thunderhead NOW platform helps P&C insurance carriers reduce print, postage and fulfillment costs, by enabling multi-channel delivery of customer communications. By enabling insurers to employ electronic channels for customer communications, such as email, fax, Web, SMS and even RSS feeds, Thunderhead NOW helps insurance companies reduce their dependence on traditional printed documents and correspondence.

Thunderhead and Guidewire offer complementary technologies, both designed from the ground up based on modern, services-oriented architectures (SOA), with native Web services and XML messaging capabilities. As a result, the Thunderhead NOW platform and Guidewire Insurance SuiteTM applications can be integrated quickly and seamlessly, resulting in reduced IT costs for carriers and improved ease of use for their agents, brokers and internal staff.

"Thunderhead and Guidewire are both key strategic partners for us," said Keith Sievers, CIO of Unitrin Specialty Services, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. "We are glad to see them working together."

"This Guidewire and Thunderhead alliance will empower P&C insurers to strengthen relationships with their clients and distribution channel partners," said Priscilla Hung, VP alliances and corporate development for Guidewire. "Insurance companies can gain the benefits of multi-channel customer communications, seamlessly integrated with flexible core systems."

"We are delighted to partner with an innovative company like Guidewire that shares our commitment to XML and open standards," said Glen Manchester, CEO of Thunderhead. "Together, our joint capabilities will enable insurance companies like Unitrin to improve their service to policyholders by enhancing the way they communicate and engage with their customers."