Accenture Debuts Enhanced Alnova Core Banking Platform, Enabling Faster Implementation, Easier Upgrades

New version supported with service-oriented architecture, compatible with
business process management tools
MADRID--(Business Wire)--
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has introduced an enhanced version of Alnova Financial
Solutions, its core banking platform, which can be implemented faster and more
cost-effectively and upgraded more easily through the broader use of standard
software components.

The new version can helpbanks more easily support their changing product and
pricing requirements and can be more readily integrated with legacy systems
using service-oriented architecture (SOA) and third-party business process
management tools.

"Banks are currently at a crossroads, pressured to aggressively cut costs while
positioning for advantage when the cycle shifts to growth," said Matthew
Edwards, managing director of banking software-backed solutions in Accenture`s
Financial Services group. "The high cost of maintaining and enhancing legacy
systems stand squarely in the way of the kinds of product and service
innovations needed in an increasingly competitive environment."

To help streamline implementations and future upgrades, Accenture has expanded
the use of common software components and expanded its ability to support Alnova
deployments through its global delivery network. Other enhancements include:

* a standardized delivery and implementation methodology, which can help reduce
implementation costs and risks;
* faster, more effective software-testing and data-migration capabilities;
* a new tool for more accurate estimation of time and efforts required for
implementation; and
* an electronic repository of Alnova design data to help banks more easily
establish design requirements and customize the solution.

"With the increasing focus on customer acquisition and retention, banks are
looking for better customization capabilities and improved flexibility in
product management," said Rajesh MR, a core systems analyst in Celent`s banking
group. "By reusing services and components, SOA architecture helps banks adapt
quickly to changing customer needs. Alnova leverages business processes from
Accenture's High Performance Bank framework and provides a complete but open SOA
layer for its core banking implementations."

"Our development approach with Alnova is to balance the benefits of both
standardized packages and tailored solutions," said Teresa Alvarez, senior
executive and head of core banking transformation services in Accenture`s
Banking industry practice. "This upgrade can provide a full range of
capabilities and reusable components for easier upgrading, while helping to
enable customization without all of the high costs of adapting external systems
to core platforms."

Alnova has one of the largest customer bases in the core banking software
marketplace, with more than 100 clients in over 20 countries. In 2008, Accenture
completed three large Alnova implementations in Europe and Latin America, which
together involved nearly 20 million bank accounts.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing
company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across
all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world`s
most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them
become high-performance businesses and governments. With approximately 177,000
people serving clients in more than 120 countries, the company generated net
revenues of US$23.39 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2008. Its home
page is www.accenture.com.

Accenture
Sean Conway, 917-452-6444 / 917-592-5744
sean.k.conway@accenture.com
or
Francois Luu, +33 1 53 23 68 55 / +33 6 60 53 84 28
francois.luu@accenture.com

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