The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies said it plans to hire more than 1,300 people by the end of 2016, focusing in part on beefing up its IT and big data capabilities.

Information technology is an area in which the property/casualty insurance giant part particular focus with its announcement. Plans call for adding new employees focused on technology and data analytics among other big data-related areas. New staff will also be added for “key roles” in inbound sales and customer services, the insurer said.

“Progressive is looking for software developers and data analysts who will help propel our innovative company forward,” Chief Information Officer Steve Broz said in prepared remarks.

Nearly 30,000 people work for the Ohio-based company.

Progressive has increasingly focused on pursuing technology-related innovations in recent years. In 2005, the insurer launched its Business Innovation Garage, a unit designed as an internal think-tank for innovating products and services. Employees can use this to set up and run experiments, design and build prototypes, and share what they’ve learned, according to the company.

In recent years, Progressive has also been using Snapshot, a telematics system that charges automobile insurance customers based on their usage and driving behavior, with good riving leading to discounts. Employees are given the opportunity to help refine Snapshot and other innovation programs.

In August, Allstate disclosed it created a standalone telematics unit. Just this month, The Generali Group and Progressive said they would collaborate on telematics research, with a focus on improving their capabilities in this area and developing new telematics products.

Source: Progressive