Celent's monthly Boardroom Series explores the current challenges faced by insurance companies, helping C-level executives prepare for the next "hard question" their Boards of Directors are likely to ask. Each brief focuses on a single question, provides Celent's view of the issues behind the question, and defines specific action steps that will position a carrier to deliver an effective response.

The third installment of this series is How to Capture the Strategic Value of Web 2.0. Web 2.0 technologies trigger questions companies of all kinds have to answer. There is no escape for insurers either. They need to reflect on some important questions posed by Web 2.0. Celent believes two questions are of the highest importance: How can Web 2.0 impact the insurance value chain? What value can it bring to the insurance business?

"For most insurers, technologies improving usability are believed to provide the greatest value," says Nicolas Michellod, senior analyst with Celent’s Insurance Group and author of the report. "This can be achieved internally through improved processes and externally through enhanced online insurance sales platforms."