Guidewire Software Expands PartnerConnect Program with New Affiliate Partner Level

Guidewire Software, a leading provider of core systems to Property/Casualty insurers, today announced the expansion of its global partner program, PartnerConnect, with the addition of a new Affiliate Partner level. This level is designed for IT and consulting services companies in the process of building depth in their Guidewire implementation experience. Coinciding with the introduction of the Affiliate Partner level, Guidewire also announced that Cognizant and HCL Technologies are its inaugural partners.

The Affiliate Partner level establishes a framework to assist members to acquire the necessary expertise and credentials to ensure successful customer experiences. Furthermore, the program formalizes the process, and tracks and measures progress – all designed to enable the best possible implementation results for our mutual customers. This new tier provides members with the benefits of a methodology to strengthen their working relationship with Guidewire, deepen their knowledge of the company’s products and help grow their Guidewire practice. As Affiliate Partners gain more experience and expertise in implementing Guidewire solutions, they will have the opportunity to move to Strategic Partner status.

In addition to a designated Guidewire alliance manager to manage and foster the relationship, Affiliate Partner benefits include:

• More direct channel to Guidewire management (including sales and services team leadership);
• Access to certification programs and training to help partner staff develop and accelerate their Guidewire capabilities;
• Access to and license to demonstrate their accelerator tools that reduce Guidewire implementation timeframes;
• Invitation to Connections, Guidewire’s annual user conference; and
• Affiliate Partner designation for partner promotion and marketing.

“Enabling the success of our customers is our number one objective,” said Michelle Lynch, global alliances director, Guidewire. “Our strong partner eco-system has consistently made significant contributions in this area and we look forward to extending and strengthening our global implementation capabilities even further with the addition of our new PartnerConnect Affiliate Partners.”

Lynch added, “We are also very pleased to officially welcome Cognizant and HCL as our initial PartnerConnect Affiliate Partners. Both companies have already participated in successful customer implementation projects. We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with their respective teams and to fostering our relationship with them.”

To date, Guidewire PartnerConnect Strategic and Affiliate Partners have assisted or led 72 implementations of Guidewire InsuranceSuite solutions around the world.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading global provider of information technology, consulting and business process outsourcing services headquartered in Teaneck, N.J. With over 110,000 employees, US $4.59 billion in revenues in 2010 and 12,500 resources in the insurance practice, Cognizant’s acclaimed global delivery model allows it to seamlessly service its customers through an integrated network of near shore, onsite and offshore delivery centers in locations including India, China, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Budapest, London, the Philippines and the US.

Operating under the wings of a dedicated Product Professional Services Group, Cognizant’s Guidewire Center of Excellence has supported successful projects across Guidewire’s ClaimCenter, PolicyCenter and BillingCenter products. With more than 150 experienced resources specializing in Guidewire integrations, implementations and testing, Cognizant provides a full range of Guidewire services through the use of value added project accelerators, implementation best practices and global delivery capabilities. Visit us online at www.cognizant.com.

About HCL

HCL Technologies, a leading global technology and IT enterprise, has a range of offerings spanning product engineering, custom and package applications, BPO, IT infrastructure services, IT hardware, systems integration, and distribution of ICT products across a wide range of industry verticals, including financial services.

HCL's Global Insurance Practice has a long tradition of offering business-driven technology solutions to the insurance industry worldwide. Through its strategic partnerships HCL has been instrumental in the transformational journey of various Insurance companies in the area of P&C, life, pensions and reinsurance. Visit us online at www.hcltech.com.