Understanding Application Management Services (AMS) and Their Role in U.S. Insurance Companies

January 15, 2025
Information Technology | Digital Transformation | Insurance

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Application Management Services (AMS) have become essential for businesses across industries. For insurance companies in the United States, managing applications effectively is crucial for:

  • Maintaining operational stability.
  • Complying with regulatory standards.
  • Meeting customer expectations.

AMS provides a structured approach to maintaining, monitoring, and supporting software applications throughout their lifecycle, ensuring that they continue to meet business needs.

What Is AMS?

AMS encompasses a range of services designed to oversee the performance, reliability, and updates of business-critical applications. Key AMS activities include:

  • Monitoring application performance and availability.
  • Managing updates, patches, and upgrades.
  • Resolving technical issues and ensuring application security.
  • Providing support for application users.
  • Aligning application functionality with business goals.

Unlike traditional IT support, AMS focuses specifically on the ongoing management of software applications, making it a specialized service that complements broader IT strategies.

AMS in the Insurance Industry

For insurance companies, applications are at the heart of operations. Examples include:

  • Policy management systems.
  • Claims processing platforms.
  • Customer portals.
  • Underwriting tools.

These applications must function reliably to avoid service disruptions.

The insurance sector is heavily regulated, requiring:

  • Robust compliance measures for secure handling of sensitive data.
  • AMS providers to ensure applications are updated with the latest security features and industry requirements.

With the growing demand for digital-first experiences, insurers are adopting technologies such as AI, data analytics, and cloud computing. AMS supports these technologies by:

  • Ensuring seamless integration with legacy systems.
  • Enabling smooth transitions to modern solutions.

Projections for AMS in the Insurance Sector by 2025

The adoption of AMS in the U.S. insurance sector is expected to grow significantly by 2025 due to:

  1. Increased Complexity
    • Advanced technologies will make managing interconnected applications more complex, making AMS indispensable.
  2. Cost Pressures
    • AMS offers a cost-effective way to manage applications, reducing the need for large in-house teams.
  3. Regulatory Changes
    • Frequent updates to applications will be necessary to meet new requirements, a task AMS providers handle efficiently.
  4. Focus on Innovation
    • By outsourcing application management, insurers can focus on developing new products and services.

The Nearshore Advantage

Many U.S. insurance companies overlook the unique benefits of nearshore AMS solutions, which combine outsourcing cost advantages with proximity benefits:

  • Time Zone Alignment: Real-time communication and faster issue resolution.
  • Cultural Affinity: Shared business practices enhance collaboration.
  • Cost Savings: Competitive pricing without the challenges of offshore providers.

By leveraging nearshore AMS, insurance companies can reduce costs and reallocate resources to invest in emerging technologies and customer-focused services.

Why Ascend?

Ascend Management Consulting specializes in delivering AMS solutions with a nearshore model tailored to U.S. insurance companies’ needs. Key benefits include:

  • Experienced teams with expertise in legacy systems and modern applications.
  • Proactive monitoring and support for application reliability and security.
  • Nearshore teams offering seamless communication and cost-effective solutions.

To learn more, visit Ascend’s AMS Solutions page.

Conclusion

Application Management Services are no longer optional for insurance companies navigating today’s digital and regulatory complexities. By choosing AMS solutions—especially nearshore providers—insurance companies can ensure their applications remain:

  • Reliable.
  • Secure.
  • Aligned with business objectives.

This approach not only maintains operational stability but also creates opportunities for future growth and innovation.