The search ended at the doorstep of YASU Technologies, a Hyderabad-based rules management systems firm. YASU was just the perfect fit for ING Vysya Life.

But this was not a clear case of build or buy. It involved a little of both. "We used some of the resources from YASU to build the software and then when the IT team became proficient with it, it took over the project and is now taking care of the incentive schemes,' says Subramanian.

Proud with the implementation, and the fact that he took his company to a level few insurance companies in India have managed to reach, Subramanian was beginning to rest on his laurels. Blissfully unaware of what the future had in store -- a future that was going to give him sleepless nights.

Sudden Death