Info-One Adds Fisher’s Fixed Annuity Index Data To VARDS Platform
Leading Variable Annuity Research, Analysis and Sales Solution to Integrate One of the World’s Largest and Most Comprehensive Fixed Annuity Databases
Campbell, Calif. (May 14, 2003) — Info-One™, a leading provider of annuity sales information products and services, today announced that it will begin offering fixed annuity data through its VARDS® platform, the industry’s only comprehensive annuity research, analysis and sales solution.
Beginning in June 2003, Info-One will provide fixed annuity data on more than 800 distinct fixed annuity contracts from over 100 companies through its VARDS Online and VARDS Advisor pre-sales systems. In addition, the fixed annuity data will be available through Info-One’s VARDS Wholesaler beginning in the third quarter of this year. Info-One has licensed the fixed annuity data from Fisher Publishing, Inc., the creator of the Fisher Annuity Index and the industry’s premier fixed annuity information resource for more than 28 years.
Delivering unparalleled annuity research, analysis and hypothetical illustration capabilities through the VARDS platform, the VARDS Fixed Annuity Database will provide complete, up-to-the-minute fixed annuity contract information, as well as current and historical interest rate data to insurance carriers, broker-dealers and their registered representatives. The database will also include information on effective annual yields, bonus rates, surrender penalties, minimum premium amounts, free withdrawal privileges, company ratings, new money rate history and more.
In addition, the VARDS Fixed Annuity Database will feature daily updates, extensive product coverage and advanced search capabilities, as well as Info-One’s renowned side-by-side product comparisons and client-approved contract data profiles (CDPs).
“The Fisher name brings with it a 28-year reputation as the premier resource for fixed annuity information, insight and analysis,” said David Shapiro, CEO of Info-One. “And founder Danny Fisher is one of the most respected authorities in the business. From the beginning, Info-One has been committed to helping the industry streamline operations, drive sales and better serve investors by providing a single, comprehensive solution for all their annuity research, analysis and sales needs. The addition of the Fisher database will be of great value to our customers.”
According to Danny Fisher, founder and president of The Fisher Agency, “Info-One is the unequivocal leader in the variable annuity information business. The company uniquely understands how to best help carriers and broker-dealers enhance the selling process and better serve their clients. I am delighted to be associated with such a world-class organization.”
The VARDS platform includes VARDS Advisor, VARDS Online and VARDS Wholesaler, Info-One’s annuity pre-sales solutions, as well as the VARDS Trading order-entry system. The VARDS platform provides the $800 billion dollar variable annuity industry with the only complete, end-to-end annuities research, analysis, sales, and management solution.
About The Fisher Agency
Founded in 1975 by Danny Fisher, the Fisher Agency has provided financial advice to thousands of stockbrokers, financial planners, accountants, actuaries, and agents throughout the United States. Danny Fisher, also known as “Mr. Annuity,” is a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. He is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and is a life member of the prestigious TOP OF THE TABLE. Fisher is also founder and publisher of the Fisher Annuity Index, which tracks over 1000 annuities from 100 insurance companies. As a recognized pioneer in the development of high-quality, consumer-oriented annuities, the top annuity companies seek his expert advice on the design of annuities and marketing strategies. For more information visit www.mrannuity.com.
About Info-One
Info-One is a leading provider of Web-based sales and management solutions for the annuity and insurance industry. The VARDS platform harnesses the power of the VARDS database to enable insurance carriers, broker-dealers, banks, and investment companies to increase revenue and cut costs through a complete end-to-end online solution for researching, illustrating, trading, and servicing annuity products. Info-One also delivers insurance fulfillment services, including a multi-line nationally licensed agency for distributors.
Info-One is a division of Wachovia Insurance, a unit of the Capital Management Group of Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB). For more information please call (408) 583-2300, or visit www.info-one.com.
