E-Z Data, Inc. and InSystems announced a cooperative marketing agreement. This agreement, which will include both joint marketing and development initiatives, will result in a solution that will enable insurance agencies, agents, and brokers to leverage the Internet to reduce policy issuance time from weeks to days, while improving their ability to service and market to their customers. With E-ZData and InSystems’ solutions working together, information will be shared between the two systems to instantly trigger the application process automatically populating all necessary forms with correct customer information. Through this joint solution, agents and brokers will be able to eliminate manual processes, significantly streamline the capture and accuracy of applicant information, and reduce policy issuance time from weeks to days. In addition, agencies, agents and brokers will be able to facilitate their one-to-one relationships by delivering information on additional products and services personalized for their customers. www.ez-data.com, www.insystems.com

The DocSpace Company Inc. announced that Critical Path, Inc. has signed a definitive acquisition agreement to acquire The DocSpace Company Inc. Through DocSpace, Critical Path’s menu of services will now add guaranteed delivery, universal file access, and collaboration services. These services are offered, in an integrated way, with multiple security levels, from industry standard SSL to PKI in conjunction with partners like Verisign and RSA. DocSpace allows users to digitally sign and encrypt each file they send, store and share using only a Web browser. Files can be in any format: documents, multimedia, CAD/CAM, etc. www.DocSpace.com, www.cp.net

The Open Applications Group, a publisher of XML-based content announced they have posted 122 XML schemas for business transactions to BizTalk.org. This set of transaction definitions represents a rich set of content that organizations can use to enable faster and more efficient interoperability. The Open Applications Group is rapidly becoming known as an XML content developer. Currently, the OAGI is developing more business transactions schemas, and they hope to collaborate with vertical industry groups to pursue the development of convergent architecture and content. The OAGI is a charter member of the BizTalk steering committee and is an industry contributor to the development and adoption of XML and XML-based content. They have built a body of work called the Open Applications Group Integration Specification (OAGIS), which defines a set of components, processes and interfaces for use in e-Business, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Financials, and Human Resources applications. www.openapplications.org

Technology Solutions Company (TSC) announced it has acquired CourseNet Systems for an undisclosed amount. TSC will integrate CourseNet into the company’s Knowledge Management business unit to meet the growing demand for software and services that help companies manage important information. CourseNet’s XML-based software allows users to create and reuse “learning objects,” which can be integrated into multiple training programs with minimal effort. With this software, TSC’s Knowledge Management suite of tools allows companies to author, deliver, and administer online training to identify experts, collaborate in the development of new knowledge, and share knowledge with the entire organization and even the entire supply chain. www.techsol.com

HardBall Software announced it is changing its name to infoShark, inc., to support HardBall’s commitment to be a provider of eBusiness solutions. infoShark, inc. is aggressively moving into the exciting new territory of delivering just-in-time data using XML. www.infoshark.com

INSCI Corp. soon to be renamed insci-statements.com, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Internet Broadcasting Company (IBC) of Pompano Beach, Fla. The acquisition represents an important step in INSCI’s strategy to establish itself as a leading worldwide provider of both Internet portal-based applications services and on-site, enterprise software solutions for secure high-volume electronic document management and delivery. IBC will become a key part of the new INSCI business unit for Internet-based statement and bill presentment application services and continue to operate from its facilities in Pompano Beach. Under terms of the agreement, INSCI will acquire all the stock of IBC in exchange for shares of INSCI Common Stock. Both companies’ boards of directors have approved the acquisition and final closing is expected within 30 days, pending completion of customary closing conditions. Further terms were not disclosed. INSCI has formed a separate business unit to market and sell statement and document presentment services worldwide through direct and reseller channels. The company’s Internet statement services are targeted primarily at business-to-business applications but can also be integrated with portal services geared to consumers. Services will be provided on a per-transaction basis and encompass enrollment/subscription, electronic storage, management and distribution of statements, transaction confirmations, bills and other types of commercial documents. www.insci.com