New This Issue: Oracle HCM Experts Answer Questions About Fusion, Upgrades and Implementations, and User Communities
This second in a series of columns offers a new set of frequently asked questions about Oracle human capital management products. This month, Steve Miranda, senior vice president, Oracle applications development; Annette Melatti, senior director, product marketing; and Mary Lou Dopart, senior director, user group management, offer pointers to important resources for developing near-term and long-range upgrade strategies and for connecting to the larger universe of HCM software users.
Where can I get the latest information on planning for the move to Fusion?
Steve Miranda replies:
As we detailed in last month’s FAQ feature, Oracle application customers have a wide range of choices when it comes to a Fusion transition. Since then, a number of new resources have arrived to provide additional Fusion advice. For near-term strategies, see the new white paper The Evolutionary Path: Things You Can Do Today to Prepare for Oracle Fusion Applications and the related presentation. Also listen to the instructive podcasts Top 10 Things to Do to Prepare for Fusion Applications and Why Oracle Customers Should Adopt SOA-based Integration Today. Customers who are interested in Oracle's next-generation applications built on Oracle Fusion Middleware can start down the evolutionary path now by implementing key Fusion technologies that are available today, including Oracle Identity Management, the Oracle SOA Suite, and Fusion Intelligence for HR. Additionally, Oracle will be delivering automated data upgrades, migration aids, and tools to help customers create their own road map through the choices that make the most sense for their business needs.
What are the benefits of using the latest releases of Oracle’s HCM software versus waiting for the arrival of applications built on Oracle Fusion Middleware?
Miranda replies:
Organizations running the newest releases see continued horizontal and industry functionality enhancements through product innovation. In addition, adoption of the latest Fusion Middleware technology is available in more current releases and will allow you to be closer to Fusion if or when you choose to transition. Steady modernizations help organizations build technical and operational skills and gradually prepare for Fusion technology instead of upgrading all at once. Upgrading to the latest release also allows organizations to evaluate and eliminate old customizations, which helps reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). The latest editions also offer extended maintenance and support options.
What has Oracle done to facilitate upgrades to latest releases?
Annette Melatti replies:
Oracle's comprehensive Lifetime Support Policy and Applications Unlimited program ease the upgrade process. For details, see the following resources:
How do I connect with other organization to discuss their implementation or upgrades of Oracle HCM products?
Mary Lou Dopart replies:
HCM user groups and special interest groups are two great sources of hands-on information. Contact the Oracle HCM Users Group, the Quest International Users Group, the Oracle Applications Users Group, the UK Oracle User Group, and the Higher Education User Group.
In addition, HCM users can network with Oracle experts on two Oracle-run social networking sites: the Oracle Mix and Oracle Wiki Two other great discussion forums are also available at Oracle Forums
and PeopleSoft Forums.
What is the updated support policy for Oracle 11i9 and 11i10?
Melatti replies:
Oracle is expanding the first of year of 11i9 Sustaining Support to include fixes for Severity 1 production issues. Sustaining Support will also include one statutory update: a U.S. 1099 update for 2008 year-end. With the exception of U.S. 1099, there will be no other statutory or payroll updates and the existing Sustaining Support policy remains in effect, with the sole exceptions that are stated in this update. The first year of Sustaining Support for 11i9 will include expanded support for Severity 1 issues and U.S. 1099 at no additional charge.
Oracle is extending Premier Support for 11i10 by one year from November 2009 to November 2010. Extended Support for 11i10 will begin in December 2010 and end November 2013. 11i10 will move to Sustaining Support in December 2013. The additional year of Premier Support for 11i10 will be provided at the same cost as existing Premier Support for 11i10.
For further questions, contact your support sales representative, or get more details on Oracle Lifetime Support.
