What a day! Morning Data's 2008 User Group meeting was a roaring success once again. The day started off with discussions on what developments had been undertaken in the last year and what features were now available. During the discussion new features available or redeveloped included Reinstatement premiums, multi currency claims, associated co-broker on a line as well as on the complete market, Binderscope. The purchase ledger was also discussed and announced to be ready for general release after being thoroughly tested by Afro-Asian Insurance Services. Other elements also covered included the forms restyle to present a more fresh and clean interface, the new wiki guide to help users discover more of what their application to bring to them and the new advances made in the use of virtualization of servers and how, together with citrix, the launch of Z3 and I3 delivery methods of NOVUS and HELIX can help transform working practices and efficiency of all Users.

After the Morning Data Update Guest Speaker Mark Barwick from the LMBC, took the stage to update everyone on the progress of initiatives over the last year and what is planned for the forthcoming year. A&S and ECF targets have been met, and new anonymous league tables are set to be introduced over the next year for E-Placing.

For a copy of his presentation please click: www.morningdata.co.uk/documents/uploaded/ug-2008.ppt

There are still more scope for unknowns and as all our clients use the very cost effective route of a subscription to exchanging Mark advised that we look at both integration with a service provider and developing our own gateway and message handling application. Alas we don't want to add a considerable expense to our clients' bottom line and most options have a hefty price tag. So watch this space.

The break for lunch allowed us to transform the surroundings much like a scene from Tracy Island and prepare for an afternoon of Briantspuddle Olympics. XBox 360 Guitar Hero, Wii Fit hula-hoops, Giant Jenga, London Insurance Quiz, Identification of Tools and Giant Snakes & Ladders.

Special mention should go to Jonathan Saunders and his partner for the day Adriana for winning several rounds, but Paul and Udai's amazing results in both Wii Play and Guitar Hero made their score and impressive 220 out of 300.

After results and Dorset Cream Tea everyone rested and prepared for our evening extravaganza, Hog roast dinner followed by a charity casino evening.

We were delighted to find we were able to raise enough money for 11 goats to bolster our project in Eritrea to provide women who have lost their family's breadwinner in the war with Ethiopia bringing our total so far to 37 goats plus the 4 kids born thus far. Billy, Vegas, Nelly, Petal, Gustav, Barwick, Toag, Felton, Hovis, Kebab, Lottie will be selected from local markets and presented to the selected women very shortly. We will keep you updated.

A big thank you to the wonderful support we have received from all Clients and Guests.

Click here for the photos http://www.flickr.com/groups/morning_data/