as the service provider for a data network connecting the island's international business sector.

The Bermuda Connect Association network will begin commercial operations March 23, said Paragon Bermuda Ltd. director Graham Pearson.

Technology-consultant Paragon helped design Bermuda Connect, a secure, electronic network for international, legal, and accounting firms.

Incorporated as a non-profit organisation, Bermuda Connect's trading partners include ACE Ltd., AON/A&A, Appleby Spurling & Kempe, the Bermuda Insurance Institute, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Registrar of Companies, Cable & Wireless, Centre Re, Cooper & Lybrand, Hemisphere Management, International Risk Management, Ernst & Young, Marsh & McLennan/Johnson & Higgins, Mutual Risk Management, Stockton Re, Exel Ltd., and Zurich Global.

Another 50 companies are set to join the network according to Paragon. Other law firms, captive managers, brokers, reinsurers, mutual fund managers, and the banks have all declared an interest in joining Bermuda Connect.

Plans are for the network to evolve beyond the e-mail function to one in which companies can use it to make submissions on policies and other information exchange.