Assurant Solutions and SupportSpace Partner to Deliver Premium Remote Technical Support via Assurant Expert Services

ATLANTA and SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Assurant Solutions, a leading provider of extended service contracts, and SupportSpace, Inc., the leading provider of crowdsource-based premium remote technical support for major computer and tech brands, today announced the launch of a 'one-stop-shop' solution for enhanced services and support.   

Assurant Expert Services enables Assurant Solutions' partners in the telecommunications, consumer electronics and major appliance sectors to sell, manage and deliver revenue-generating support and services to their customers without the time and cost associated with building a technical infrastructure, identifying technology experts or managing a program. Assurant Expert Services provide turnkey solutions for in-home, in-store and on-line services, including a web portal that enables real-time remote services, scheduling and management through a functional and flexible work-order system. Available services cover a wide range of technology products including computers and peripherals, mobile devices, TVs and home theater, small electronics, and major appliances.

Through this partnership, SupportSpace will provide Assurant Solutions with remote IT service support via its client-branded portal and technical experts to deliver premium, consistent service. Customers can choose the technical expert of their choice, evaluating their performance via a "5-Star" based rating system.  They can connect with experts through a variety of channels including chat, on-line messaging and/or phone.  Customers also have the option of speaking to the same expert each time they access remote technical support, creating a positive, highly-personalized customer experience.

"Assurant Expert Services helps our partners deliver quality support and services to their customers, and remote technical support is a cornerstone to the program," said Keith Meier, senior vice president of Assurant Solutions' Extended Protection Services business. "SupportSpace is the logical choice as our remote IT support partner. Their focus on delivering a superior technical support platform and a seamless customer experience allows our partners to provide multichannel customer support from the store, the call center and online touch points."

"Assurant Solutions has built a breakthrough offering in the form of Assurant Expert Services," said Joe Davis, chief executive officer of SupportSpace. "Our combined offering enables Assurant Expert Services clients to differentiate themselves by extending relationships past the point of sale and creating revenue by delivering valuable service support to customers. We look forward to partnering with Assurant Expert Services as they help clients offer new, more convenient ways for customers to access service and support."

To view or enroll in Assurant Expert Services, visit http://bit.ly/I7jYRk.

About SupportSpace, Inc.
SupportSpace is the leading provider of crowdsource-based premium remote technical services for major computer and tech brands. The Company is spearheading a paradigm shift in the way companies build and nurture their post-sales relationships with their customers and increase brand value, by revolutionizing the way premium technical services are delivered. SupportSpace's business model leverages both today's web-centric economy and its network of highly skilled, locally based Certified Experts, who collaborate and utilize the SupportSpace SaaS-based platform to deliver a superior user experience at a competitive cost. The Company maintains an outstanding customer satisfaction rating of over 95% (industry standard according to Help Desk Institute is 73%). The privately held company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. www.supportspace.com

Assurant Solutions
Assurant Solutions businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, automobile dealers, funeral homes, utilities and other entities. With operations in 25 locations, including executive offices in Atlanta, Assurant Solutions serves clients and their customers in 10 countries throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. www.assurantsolutions.com.

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. The four key businesses -- Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health, and Assurant Employee Benefits -- partner with clients who are leaders in their industries and have built leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments in the U.S. and select worldwide markets.

Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has approximately $27 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. Assurant has approximately 14,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered in New York's financial district. www.assurant.com.

SOURCE Assurant Solutions