Milliman Recognized as 2011 Microsoft Technical and High-Performance Computing Partner of the Year

SEATTLE, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Collaboration between Milliman and Microsoft powers creation of unprecedented financial engine for global insurance client

Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, has been named recipient of the 2011 Microsoft Technical and High Performance Computing Innovation Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions using Milliman's MG-ALFA® actuarial projection system and the Microsoft platform.

"This award is the result of Milliman responding to a client need for a sophisticated financial modeling platform unlike any that had ever been developed," says Pat Renzi, Milliman principal and MG-ALFA® Global Practice Leader. "The Actuarial Systems Transformation project for Phoenix Group Holdings required a robust and dynamic risk management solution that takes full advantage of the Microsoft platform and our close relationship with Microsoft. The result of this collaboration is a financial engine that stretches the boundaries of what's possible in enterprise computing."

Phoenix Group Holdings is a UK-based consolidator of life insurance with more than 6 million policyholders and 67.5 billion pounds in assets under management in a globally-diversified portfolio. The Actuarial Systems Transformation project allows for precise management of the company's broad portfolio even as Europe transitions to Solvency II, a complex new regulatory framework.

Awards were presented in multiple categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 3,000 entrants worldwide. Milliman was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services as Microsoft Technical and High Performance Computing Innovation Partner of the Year. The Technical and High Performance Computing Innovation Partner of the Year Award recognizes Milliman for enabling scientists, engineers, and analysts to solve the world's most complex problems through innovative simulation and modeling in the cloud using Windows HPC Server 2008 R2, burst capability, Windows Azure, and Microsoft parallel development platform.

"Microsoft is pleased to announce Milliman as Technical and High Performance Computing Innovation Partner of the Year for its contributions as a provider of cloud-based simulation and modeling solutions to the scientific community," said Bob Kelly, corporate vice president of Infrastructure and Server Marketing at Microsoft. "Through its landmark innovations in technical computing applications, Milliman has enabled engineers and researchers to identify solutions to some of the world's most complex problems."

The Microsoft Partner Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the past year.

About Milliman

Milliman is among the world's largest independent actuarial and consulting firms.  Founded in 1947 as Milliman & Robertson, the company currently has 53 offices in key locations worldwide.  Milliman employs more than 2,500 people.  The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, employee benefits, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services.  Milliman serves the full spectrum of business, financial, government, union, education and nonprofit organizations.  For further information, visit milliman.com.