Companies join, create software to integrate job services

Electronic Data Systems Corp. and Applied Theory Corp. announced they have

teamed up to provide state and local governments with software that can

be used to integrate employment services.

The partnership is driven by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which

requires states to have all employment agencies joined by a "One-Stop Operating

System" by July 1.

Using this self-service Internet system, a job seeker could access all

services, such as adult and youth programs, welfare-to-work programs, and

programs for dislocated workers, from one system.

"The basic advantage is of course the one-stop capability," said Pat

King, portfolio manager of workforce development at EDS. "If a job seeker

needs several services, they can go to one place."