The next evolution of HawkSoft The next evolution is shift from a software to a platform where data is housed entirely in the cloud. It is a monumental undertaking that requires HawkSoft to be rebuilt in a cloud environment. The platform will use cloud technologies to serve an agency’s data to desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. The project is often compared to rebuilding an airplane during flight without disrupting the passengers onboard.
Introducing HawkSoft 6: cloud platform HawkSoft 6 brings the powerful, intuitive, and efficient HawkSoft workflows to a new platform powered by the cloud. It fundamentally changes where HawkSoft stores, reads, and delivers agency data. It frees data from being tethered to an agency’s local server (local installation) or third-party online hosting partner (HawkSoft Online). All data is stored and accessed on HawkSoft Cloud, via secure cloud servers powered by Microsoft Azure.
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Enables data access from both a desktop app and mobile browsers Eliminates the need for a server hosted locally or by third-party online hosting partners Facilitates faster and more reliable connectivity Provides enhanced data security on Microsoft Azure Backs up your HawkSoft data automatically in the cloud Provides infrastructure for faster innovation of new feature
Two ways to access your data in HawkSoft 6 HawkSoft 6 combines the powerful performance of a desktop app with the convenience of cloud-based data that can be accessed from anywhere on any device. Enjoy the full set of features on your office PC or laptop and have access to client and policy data from your phone or tablet.
1. Desktop app The desktop app delivers the full, comprehensive set of features you expect from HawkSoft on your office workstation or anywhere you take your laptop. ✓ Native app for Windows installed on your office PC or laptop ✓ Same powerful and efficient policy workflows and keyboard shortcuts you know and love ✓ Smaller footprint: no need for a local server, third-party online hosting partners, or remote access software like Parallels
2. Mobile browser Mobile-optimized browser experience will give you access to client and policy data you need without the heavy footprint of a full agency management system running on your tablet or mobile device. ✓ Available via web browser on mobile devices ✓ View client and policy info at a glance or drill deep into coverages ✓ Place calls, send emails, or route directions to addresses on your mobile device with a single tap
Roadmap to HawkSoft 6: cloud platform Project Status
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Not Started In Development Completed
Milestone 1 ✓ Cloud Infrastructure ✓ Cloud Authentication ✓ Agent Portal ✓ Cloud Search (New Search Experience)
Milestone 2 ✓ Agency Setup & User Management ✓ Remove Settings Dependency on In-Office Network Drives ✓ UX/UI Development
Milestone 3 ✓ Agency Intelligence Reporting Engine ✓ Sales & Retention Reports ✓ Accounting & QuickBooks® Integration ✓ Tasks
Milestone 4
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Ready-made Reports ✓ Remove Client Data Dependency on In-Office Network Drives
Milestone 5 ✓ Agency Onboarding and Offboarding
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Data Exports Company (Carrier) Downloads Commissions
Phase 1 Launch New Agencies
✓ In 2022 Milestone 6
✓ ✓ ✓ Phase 2 Launch Existing Agencies
✓ Soon after Phase 1
Data Migration Logistics Optimization For Scale Updates From Phase 1 Feedback
Moving to Hawksoft 6 When will Hawksoft 6 be available? HawkSoft 6 is estimated to be available to agencies in 2022. The aim is to make the first version of HawkSoft 6 available to new agencies signing up with new service. For agencies that already use HawkSoft, HawkSoft 6 will be available after the launch of Phase 1 and an observation period to ensure migration will not cause major business disruptions. The reason existing agencies will get HawkSoft 6 later than new agencies is because there are systems and procedures that need to be designed in order to handle the volume of data that will be migrated for existing agencies to HawkSoft 6. The migration will be moving thousands of terabytes of data! Hawksoft wants to ensure your complete database is moved in a safe manner and in a way that doesn’t overburden cloud services, leading to a poor user experience. By being mindful of the approach, Hawksoft hopes to deliver a stable HawkSoft 6 product to all agencies in an efficient timeline.
Why did Hawksoft choose a phased release plan for Hawksoft 6? HawkSoft 6 is different from previous versions of HawkSoft in that it will require the conversion of agency data into a new database format in order to support HawkSoft Cloud. With thousands of existing agencies running HawkSoft CMS and terabytes of data that must be converted under finite resources at their disposal, it’s a task that must be done gradually rather than all at once. HawkSoft cannot afford to lose data or overburden systems, which would bring everyone’s technology experience to a crawl.
Why did HawkSoft choose Microsoft Azure? Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud infrastructures in the world. HawkSoft gravitated towards Microsoft Azure because of familiarity and affinity for the Microsoft ecosystem. HawkSoft CMS has been built on a Microsoft stack (programming languages and tools ideal for the Windows operating systems) since our last major platform change from DOS to Windows.
Is there going to be downtime to make the move to Hawksoft 6? HawkSoft is developing a full game plan for transitioning existing customers to HawkSoft 6 when that time comes. The intention is to execute a data conversion (transfer really) similar to how a new agency is converted from another management system: collect the necessary data and, at an arranged time, make a swift transition over one business day. If we follow the database conversion model, this will likely happen over a weekend or on a non-business day as well. You will not be alone in this process and we will communicate it clearly to all once it is ready.
Will we need training on Hawksoft 6? HawkSoft is taking great care to maintain a familiarity and continuity in workflows in HawkSoft 6. You should be able to sit down at HawkSoft 6 and use the same knowledge of HawkSoft CMS to be immediately comfortable in HawkSoft 6. HawkSoft will create new training videos and help articles to cover HawkSoft 6, in addition to training webinars or feature spotlight webinars that cover key enhancements made to HawkSoft 6. For example, the Cloud Accounting team took great care to fix a lot of the pain points in HawkSoft’s Trust Accounting workflows – and they definitely want to share it with customers. HawkSoft will email customers when it is time to register for these HawkSoft 6 webinars.
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