ProCede is a ceded reinsurance management solution that supports the reinsurance process for general insurance (P&C) and professional reinsurance carriers. The advanced capabilities that are possible through Microsoft .NET, alongside SunGard's experience in the reinsurance industry will help benefit SunGard customers.

As a primary step in their collaborative efforts, SunGard and Microsoft are cooperating on the creation of the high level architecture and prototype of the ProCede reinsurance administration solution based on Microsoft .NET. The conceptual model will be unveiled at the ACORD Forum, October 19th to 20th in London.

Microsoft recently launched its "experience Insurance" initiative which, through the selection of partner solutions and technologies, helps insurance customers, employees and operations personnel to improve their experience of the solution. Dennis Maroney, managing director, worldwide insurance industry for Microsoft, stated, "Insurers and reinsurers increasingly view Microsoft as an enterprise partner, and are realising the benefits that Microsoft technology delivers. Working with SunGard, with whom we have a wide-ranging relationship, is a natural progression for us to deliver enhanced experiences for our joint insurance and reinsurance customers."

Microsoft .NET is playing an increasingly important role in the insurance and reinsurance industry. Matthew Josefowicz, manager of the insurance group at Celent, LLC, an IT strategy research and advisory firm, said, "Agility and accessibility are two key principles that insurers have top-of-mind when making IT decisions."

Gavin Lavelle, president of SunGard's Sherwood Systems business unit, commented, "We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. The strength of Microsoft's .NET technology will help us to deliver greater value and efficiencies to our customers."