The ACORD Transaction Working Group met recently to tackle the necessary infrastructure and protocol needed to effectively transport XML transactions. Participating in the working group are Microsoft, Travelers, PMSC, SAFECO, NCFocus, National Grange Mutual, Symmetry Technology Labs, Progressive, APT, Ontos, ISO, Hartford, Applied Systems, Kemper, Delphi, IVANS, CGU, AMS, St. Paul, Docucorp, and others. Concurrently, the Data Requirements Working Group is analyzing the AL3 and ObjX standards in order to assure that all lines, including Personal, Commercial, Surety, Claims, and Accounting, are included in the initial dictionary. This group was formed out of the recently announced joint initiative between ACORD and the Independent Insurance Agents of America’s (IIAA) Agent’s Council for Technology (ACT). Working toward an August 31, 1999 deliverable, the groups plan to complete the ACORD Insurance XML Dictionary. The objective, introduced by IIAA/ACT, is to prevent industry fragmentation by providing a base dictionary for the production of all future insurance XML transactions. IIAA/ACT is an advisory board of agent and industry representatives, formed by the IIAA to foster understanding and better utilization of technology in the independent agency system. ACT also helps to provide technology education, acts as a catalyst for the research and practical implementation of technology, and monitors related legislative developments. www.acord.org