Accenture (VAR500 rank: 3) and Oracle have developed a software solution to help social service agencies handle increased workloads and, at the same time, provide improved oversight capabilities. The companies' first scheduled release will be a case management solution for child welfare departments.

To save money, many public service agencies -- which largely rely on government funding to survive -- have selected commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) software rather than more expensive custom-built solutions. Responding to that trend, Accenture and Oracle will work together using Oracle Application Integration Architecture (AIA) to prebuild Process Integration Packs that use COTS software to provide public agencies with more effective and efficient technology solutions for social services.

The Accenture Case Management Solution for Child Welfare on Oracle is a new, integrated case management solution specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of child welfare agencies. The solution is partially based on Oracle's Siebel CRM Public Sector Case Management COTS product, Oracle's Policy Automation rules engine and Accenture's extensive experience developing child welfare solutions globally.

In addition, Oracle will develop a Social Services Foundation Pack and Accenture will create Oracle AIA Process Integration Packs to assist with disbursement and collection requirements. The project aims to aid agencies with such tasks as workload management, case worker effectiveness, client services and oversight.

The Accenture-Oracle collaboration is the latest in a partnership that has spanned nearly 20 years. Accenture has more than 4,900 Oracle projects completed or under way.