Applied Systems becomes authorized VUE testing center

Applied Systems Corporate Education achieves VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) designation, enabling employees to complete Microsoft certification tests on-site

University Park, IL, February 18, 2002: Applied Systems®, a leading automation solutions provider for the property and casualty insurance industry, and a Microsoft Certified Partner, was recently designated a VUE testing center. This will enable employees to complete Microsoft certification tests while on the job, providing them with a more convenient way of pursuing Microsoft certification. Certifying employees assures that Applied has the capability to provide aggressive educational platforms to technical specialists throughout the organization for increased customer support and satisfaction. Applied Systems utilizes employees who have achieved MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) status to teach Microsoft classes to co-workers. Applied has four MCTs on staff, as well as 74 MCPs (Microsoft Certified Professional), 16 MCSEs (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), 6 MCSDs (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer), and 2 MCDBAs (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator).

In addition to administering a VUE testing center, the Corporate Education department of Applied Systems offers a diverse range of courses and curriculum for the purpose of higher education and employee development. Programs supported by Corporate Education include continuing education for support technicians, client trainers, installers, consultants and sales professionals. Newly hired support technicians participate in a comprehensive 7-week training curriculum. Specialized training programs such as ACT (Applied Certified Technician) is offered to develop advanced technical skills, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality customer support by expert technicians. Employees obtain expert-level product knowledge in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook by achieving MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) certification. In addition, management receives ongoing leadership development.

Employees are also encouraged to pursue higher education by utilizing the tuition assistance plan, which reimburses employees for college courses that directly relate to their positions. Stella Wolf, Executive Vice President of Human Resources states, Applied Systems takes professional development and employee training very seriously. By gaining the VUE designation, we can be more proactive in our education programs. As we continue to raise our performance bars, we will be better positioned to exceed our customer needs, enabling Applied to maintain our status as the most technically knowledgeable company in the insurance industry."

About Applied Systems: Applied Systems is a leading provider of automation solutions for the property and casualty insurance industry. Since 1983, we have been developing software for independent insurance agents, brokers, managing general agents, insurance companies and other financial institutions with insurance operations, such as banks. We have helped over 10,000 clients take their operations to new levels of success with our leading management system The Agency Manager®. The Diamond SystemTM, a policy processing system for insurance companies, and our success in Electronic Data Interchange have propelled Applied Systems as the technology frontrunner of the industry. Combined with our consulting services, rating solutions and third party integration, Applied has the ability to automate the insurance transaction at every level of the distribution system.