Broadwing and MarketScout Form Strategic Alliance Targeting e-Insurance Industry

Broadwing Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadwing Inc. has formed a strategic alliance with MarketScout in order to capitalize on MarketScout’s position in the e-insurance industry. Under the terms of the agreement, Broadwing is providing a variety of data, Internet and IT services to MarketScout, a subsidiary of Dallas-based insurance e-commerce holding company Insurance Data Systems.

MarketScout owns and operates a comprehensive e-insurance portal that links insurance professionals to a network of e-industry specialists who are pre-qualified based upon their proven track records and technical expertise. MarketScout has chosen Broadwing to provide eClass IP VPN services to a vast community of insurance carriers and independent agents. Broadwing is also linking MarketScout’s Dallas headquarters via frame relay with the Broadwing data center in Dallas, where it is delivering full collocation support.

This includes cabinet space, bandwidth, design services, procurement of equipment and software, plus managed and technical e-insurance services. According to Richard K. Kerr, Chairman and CEO of MarketScout, “Broadwing brings exceptional technical skills and expands our product offerings to include broadband distribution and ISP capabilities.” MarketScout has designated Broadwing as an exclusive technology provider, and in turn Broadwing will turn to MarketScout exclusively to penetrate the e-insurance industry. The two companies will participate in joint sales and marketing activities.