The European Insurance industry has fully emerged from a difficult period in the early part of the decade. Both life and non-life carriers are currently experiencing a period of relative stability, and have engaged in a reassessment of their technology opportunities. This report examines how European insurance technology strategies have evolved and what is in store for the next 18-24 months.

• Examination of IT spending in insurance through 2009, segmented by Life, non-Life and highlighting source, activity, and external market spend
• Identification of current vendor strategies in European Insurance technology

With premium growth having underpinned a remarkable recovery in European Non-life, this sector will likely be characterized by growing competition as insurers continue in an expansionary mode. Furthermore, the gradual commoditization of Non-life products means that service is increasingly a feature in the pre-sale and initiation phase.

Perhaps the greatest opportunity for competitive differentiation in Non-life resides in the claims process. Aside from the point of sale and bill payment, the point of claims is the only time the customer will have direct interaction with a Non-life carrier

Datamonitor expects Solvency II to drive an enterprise-wide data management strategy among top insurers, much as Basel II has driven similar efforts at European banks. In fact, many Basel II vendors are crossing over to the insurance with Solvency II offerings, essentially "extensions" of the core Basel II solution.

• Inform your go-to-market strategy with Datamonitor's analysis of key business and technology issues.
• Determine your short/medium/long-term objectives using Datamonitor's robust, granular market forecasts.