Harleysville Insurance was recently recognized with a pair of honors by a national technology firm and its network of independent agents.

The firm received a 2009 “Interface Partner Award” from Applied Systems, which develops, sells and supports insurance agency and broker management systems nationwide. Applied Systems gave Harleysville Insurance the award based on its commitment to providing agents with downloadable, real-time inquiry and real-time rating.

The Applied Systems Client Network, comprised of independent insurance agents, also recognized Harleysville for the steps the company has taken to enhance the ease of doing business for its agency partners.

Michael L. Browne, Harleysville’s president and chief executive officer, said the company remains “focused on making it easier for our agents to do business with us.

“Because we believe technology is vital to the success of achieving that goal, we have devoted much of our time, energy and talent to enhancing our information technology capabilities,” Browne said in a statement. “We’re pleased that we’ve again been recognized for the efforts of our talented professionals, as well as the course we’ve taken to implement innovative technology that will best serve our employees, agents and policyholders.”

Browne added that a key component to enhancing the company’s IT capabilities in 2010 is the deployment of real-time upload capabilities to better integrate Harleysville Insurance’s technology with the major agency management systems that support its independent agency partners.

“[This] is the ultimate goal of the Real Time industry initiative,” he said.

Harleysville was recognized during a ceremony in Kansas City, Mo., at 2009 TENCon, the Technology, Education & Networking Conference hosted by ASCnet, the Applied Systems Client Network.