WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(CCNMatthews – June 8, 2005) – Automated Benefits Corp. (TSX VENTURE:AUT) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Symbility Solutions Inc., has launched a software pilot program with ServiceMaster of Canada Limited (“ServiceMaster”).
ServiceMaster is one of Canada’s leading networks of restoration professionals, with over 70 locations in Canada from coast to coast. The pilot launch will allow ServiceMaster professionals to use the Symbility mobile claims system for property claims estimation using hand-held, pen-based computers transmitting wirelessly over the Symbility.NET communication hub.
The purpose of the pilot program is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Symbility software as an efficient tool for estimating property claims and measuring and reporting on metrics related to performance and quality standards of ServiceMaster’s franchisees.
The proposed pilot program would involve the use of Symbility’s Symbility.NET web application and the Symbility mobile claims field data collection software by approximately 20 Canadian ServiceMaster franchisees chosen by ServiceMaster head office.
The duration of the pilot will be 2 months, commencing approximately July 1, 2005. Upon completion of the pilot, ServiceMaster will enter into a contract with Symbility in order to license the technology.
Should the pilot be deemed successful, ServiceMaster intends to adopt Symbility’s software as a national alternative, allowing ServiceMaster to provide mobile, wireless estimating resulting in better service to their insurance company clients. ServiceMaster agrees to assist Symbility in its efforts to promote the adoption of Symbility’s system among Canadian insurers. Furthermore, ServiceMaster will use its best efforts to promote the Symbility system for consideration by ServiceMaster Limited (U.S.).
“ServiceMaster franchisees pride themselves on assisting claimants in a quick and efficient manner and ease the burden of their loss. The Symbility mobile claims system appears to be the tool we need to live up to this commitment and is worth taking to pilot on behalf of our network,” states Ken Zardo, General Manager, ServiceMaster of Canada Limited “The speed with which our franchisees can now complete claims with the Symbility application will ultimately save the insured and insurance company money by allowing our professionals to begin work immediately on claims such as flood damage that only increase in magnitude if not treated in a timely manner.”
“ServiceMaster franchisees have been great supporters in our early pilots with Allstate, Economical and Gore Mutual and we are certainly excited that they have decided to pilot the usage of the Symbility mobile claims system for all of their franchisees across the country,” states James Swayze, Chief Executive Officer, Automated Benefits Corp. “This further endorsement of the Symbility application not only rapidly expands our availability across Canada but is also a potentially tremendous lead into the US market through The ServiceMaster Company.”
About ServiceMaster of Canada Limited
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, ServiceMaster was formed in 1953 in Canada and is part of The ServiceMaster Company out of Downers Grove, Illinois. The ServiceMaster Company provides service to residential and commercial customers in the United States where they serve 10.5 million homes and businesses each year.
ServiceMaster is the largest network of restoration contractors in North America. Their core service capabilities also include lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, plumbing, heating and air conditioning maintenance and repair, appliance maintenance and repair, cleaning and furniture maintenance and home warranties. These services are provided through a network of over 5,400 company-owned and franchised service centers and business units, operating under leading brands which include TruGreen ChemLawn, TruGreen LandCare Terminix, American Home Shield, American Residential Services, Rescue Rooter, American Mechanical Services, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, AmeriSpec and Furniture Medic.
About Automated Benefits
Automated Benefits Corp. is a software company dedicated to applications for the insurance industry with its head office in Toronto, Ontario. The Corporation currently has two subsidiaries, Autoben and Symbility.
Symbility has developed the Symbility mobile claims system focusing principally on residential and commercial property claims estimation for use by insurance company adjusters and independent contractors. With offices in Waterloo, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec, the Symbility mobile claims system has begun pilot launches with Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, Economical Insurance Group and Gore Mutual. Upon successful completion of its Canadian pilots, Symbility intends to expand its sales efforts of the Symbility mobile claims system in the United States and Europe.
Autoben is focused on the employee benefit segment of the life insurance industry. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Autoben provides claims management software for health and dental plans in addition to insurance products for employer groups. The proprietary software of Autoben, ABI, assists in reducing the cost of employee benefits programs by allowing local adjudication and administration to approximately 23,000 employees across Canada.