IDP Chronology: Fifty Years of Outstanding Service

1949 – Philadelphia reinsurance broker Balis & Co., in conjunction with five mutual insurance companies, forms a non-profit cooperative service organization to assist in the development of automation systems for the insurance industry. The organization, called Mutual Tabulating<>

The group of five employees is led by IBM veteran Frank T. Slater. The organization begins working out of the Packard Building at 15th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, Pa.

1953 - MTS is incorporated, becoming a for-profit subsidiary of Balis & Company, with Slater serving as president.

1961 - C. Wanton Balis, owner of Balis & Co., becomes president of MTS. Donald Smith of Recording & Statistical, Inc. is named as the company's manager, and Charles J. Mooney is brought in to assist him. At this time, the company is renamed Insurance Data Processing, Inc., (IDP).

1963 - Charles F. Scott, Jr., known informally as Fred Scott, replaces Donald Smith. The following year, Scott is elected EVP and director. The 1960s are an exceptionally strong decade for the company, with annual growth averaging 20%, increased staff, and a move to larger offices at the same address. Most important, IDP develops a solid reputation for providing outstanding data processing services to the insurance and reinsurance industry.

1967 - Balis & Co., Inc. is acquired by Marsh & McLennan, Inc., the world's largest insurance organization. IDP becomes part of Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc., a major division of Marsh & McLennan.

1969 - Rapid growth leads to relocation. IDP introduces its first mainframe system using a Honeywell Level 66 computer. The computer is installed in the company's new headquarters, a 6,000-sq. ft. office in Jenkintown, Pa. The company has grown to 30 employees.

1977 - Charles F. Scott, Jr. is elected president of IDP. The company begins feasibility studies of an on-line, interactive data-based policy management system.

1980 - IDP begins reporting to Victor O'Schinnerer & Co., a Marsh & McLennan company in Washington, D.C.

1982 - IDP and Brethern Mutual form a partnership to develop VISIONTM-MIS, the company's first on-line interactive system.

1985 - Carlino Financial Corp., Charles F. Scott and Thomas J. Gorman acquire IDP from Marsh & McLennan.

1988 - IDP moves to 25,000-sq. ft. offices at One Washington Square, in Wyncote, Pa.

1996 - The company acquires Genesys Rating System.

1997 - Gary Gilbert is named president of IDP. Since Gilbert's appointment, IDP has been revitalized and growth and profitability have improved dramatically.

1999 - As IDP celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company enjoys a solid management team; a strong line of products, collectively known as VISION SYSTEMS; and an expanding line of services, including bureau reporting services. IDP maintains excellent business relationships with more than 50 different clients as it prepares for growth in the next century.