Stand alone rating systems continue to become more sophisticated, and rating engines are responding to this challenge. Many solutions have been extended to contain product features other than rating, such as forms, eligibility and underwriting rules.

This report, US Property/Casualty Rating Systems: ABCD Vendor View, 2009, is designed to help carriers take a fresh look at the various players that are active in the stand alone rating applications space. The goal in conducting this detailed data analysis and in talking to key players is to provide comparative data that helps carriers shortcut the process of evaluating rating engine vendors.

"Speed to market and product flexiblity continue to be competitive levers in the industry," says Mike Fitzgerald, senior analyst and author of the report. "Rating solutions that support these business goals continue to gain traction in the market."

Celent analyzes 8 products from 8 vendors using its ABCD analysis framework to present a comparative view of the vendor marketplace that visually represents four elements: Advanced technology and technical flexibility, Breadth of functionality, Customer base, and Depth of client services and solutions. Vendors included in this report are: AQS, CGI, CSC, DRC, Duck Creek, ISO Rating Service, Oracle and StoneRiver.