AMS Announces IBM UniVerse as the Database for Sagitta

Windsor, CT – Insurance software developer, AMS Services, Inc. and IBM Corporation announce an agreement to migrate the database of AMS's Sagitta management system product to IBM's UniVerse® extended relational database. The migration will take place in a phased process beginning in the third quarter of 2003. Because of the similarities to Sagitta's existing database, the migration will be virtually seamless to Sagitta users, similar to a normal periodic database upgrade.

AMS is moving Sagitta to UniVerse for several reasons – most importantly because of IBM and the work they are doing jointly with Microsoft to further develop XML Web Services specifications. This work will enable the continued growth and strength of Sagitta. "Sagitta is AMS's management system for top brokers and other agencies that require a powerful, customizable database and the ability to manage complex lines of business and processes," stated Dave Shea, president and CEO, AMS Services, Agency Markets. "With IBM UniVerse and IBM eServers as its backbone, Sagitta agencies will have greater openness and accessibility with other standard database capabilities like XML, ODBC and SQL – better reporting and easier integration with other products. In addition, the financial strength and market position of IBM played into the decision to move to UniVerse. AMS is committed to delivering solutions to this important part of the market for the long term. Ensuring that the underlying database fit that commitment was a paramount business need. IBM certainly provides the stability needed."

"Today's announcement further demonstrates IBM's commitment to Informix and U2 partners and customers," said Susan Siegesmund, director of U2, IBM Data Management Solutions. "The combination of IBM UniVerse technology and the AMS Sagitta insurance agency management system will provide customers with an easy-to-use offering based on open standards that facilitate future information integration."

AMS Services, Inc. provides software and automation services to insurance agents, brokers, carriers, banks, MGAs and other distributors of insurance and financial services. To learn more out AMS products and services, call 800-444-4813 or visit our Web site at www.ams-services.com.

AMS Services, Inc., 3 Waterside Crossing, Windsor, CT 06095. Tel: 860-602-6000 ; Fax: 860-602-6011.