IBM has launched version 2.2 of CIIS for insurance – its client management system.

The IT giant believes the latest version will facilitate the integration of e-business applications, enhance the claims management process and speed up prototyping of new applications.

Bryan Foss, CRM solution manager, global insurance at IBM, said: "This will help insurers increase their customer focus by improving their ability to capture and make appropriate use of all customer-related information."

Version 2.2 enables new distribution channels such as the internet to be linked to traditional channels like call centres and broker systems. IBM has also defined a Java interface which means that users can develop client solutions more quickly.