The directory of employee benefit information systems lists companies that produce and supply proprietary software products to employee benefit personnel for the purpose of managing their own benefit plans.

Companies that produce and supply software products used primarily to communicate benefit programs to employees will be listed in a separate directory that will be published in the November 24, 1997 issue of BI.

Listings begin with the year the company began offering employee benefit information system products and the parent company, if any.

Information on software products follows. Software can be purchased without hardware unless noted. Next is the average price of a completely installed system or a statement indicating if the price is quoted individually. The system requirements list the type of hardware required by the client to run or access the system, including type of computer, operating platform, memory required and video; whether the system is for single or multiple users; the names of network operating systems and database management systems supported; whether the system is available online; whether Internet/intranet access is provided; and whether the system requires or provides customization to user specifications. Included also is the year of the product's first installation and the total number of installations in employee benefit departments.

Next a list of benefits managed by the system are provided. The features section provides a brief description of standard functions performed by the system, employee communication features and optional modules or functions that can be added to the system.

Information on the company overall follows the product listings. This section includes user support offered and whether it is included in the system price; and staff figures, given in full-time equivalents for year-end 1996. Also provided is the total number of employee benefit information system clients in 1996, including the number of corporate benefit department clients (both sales and service) and the number of clients who bought systems in 1996. The next section states the organization's total 1996 revenues; revenues from employee benefit information systems sales and service; and a percent breakout of the employee benefit information system revenue between sales of hardware, software and services. Names and titles of principal officers and a contact person complete the listings.

The directory is published as an editorial service; there is no charge for companies to be included. However, to be listed companies were required to complete a questionnaire provided by Business Insurance.

Although every effort is made to publish complete and accurate information, Business Insurance is unable to verify all data.