Oracle ACE Program - FAQ Updated June 16, 2011

· What is the Oracle ACE Program?
· Who is eligible?
· What are the benefits of being an Oracle ACE?
· What expectations does Oracle have of an Oracle ACE?
· What is an Oracle ACE Alumnus?
· How do I make a nomination ?
· Who makes the decision about who becomes an Oracle ACE?
· What is an Oracle ACE Director?
· What are the qualifications for Oracle ACE Director?
· What does an Oracle ACE Director do?
· What does Oracle provide for ACE Directors?
· What commitment is required of an ACE Director?
· Will I be paid as an Oracle ACE Director?
· How can I become an Oracle ACE Director?
· I'm an Oracle ACE and I want to become an Oracle ACE Director. How do I do that?

What is the Oracle ACE Program?

The Oracle ACE Program is designed to recognize and reward members of the Oracle Technology and Applications communities for their contributions to those communities. These individuals are technically proficient (when applicable) and willingly share their knowledge and experiences.

The program comprises two levels: Oracle ACE and Oracle ACE Director. The former designation is Oracle's way of saying "thank you" to community contributors for their efforts; we (and the community) appreciate their enthusiasm. The latter designation is for community enthusiasts who not only share their knowledge (usually in extraordinary ways), but also want to increase their community advocacy and work more proactively with Oracle to find opportunities for the same. In this sense, Oracle ACE is "backward looking" and Oracle ACE Director is "forward looking."

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Who is eligible?

Candidates should be proficient in their area of expertise and demonstrate their willingness to share their knowledge and experience. Areas of contribution or activity include but are not limited to:

• Oracle Discussion Forums
• Content submissions such as technical papers, articles, code samples, utilities
• Oracle book authorship
• Oracle-related blogs
• Oracle event speaker
• Participation in Oracle programs such as the Customer Reference Program or User Groups

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What are the benefits of being an Oracle ACE?

Benefits include:

• Recognition and promotion on Oracle Web sites as an "official" expert
• Profile posted in online Oracle ACE Directory
• Oracle ACE icon ( ) added to Oracle Discussion Forum profile as well as published article bylines
• An Oracle ACE appreciation gift
• Invitations to participate in Oracle ACE activities

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What expectations does Oracle have of an Oracle ACE?

The Oracle ACE designation is given to individuals as recognition of his/her past contributions. Oracle's only future expectation is that the recipient maintains his/her level of community activity.

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What is an Oracle ACE Alumnus?

An annual review will be conducted to determine if program participants are remaining active in the community. If an Oracle ACE ceases his/her community activity for more than a continuous 12 months period, then the program office reserves the right to change the individual's status to "Alumnus" and no further contributions will be expected. Past participants are welcome to re-apply for ACE status via nomination form.

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How do I make a nomination?

Nominations can be made by anyone. Nomination form and instructions can be found here.

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Who makes the decision about entry into the program?

A nomination committee comprising members of the Oracle ACE Program Office and product management teams review every completed nomination form.

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What is an Oracle ACE Director?

Oracle ACE Directors are individuals who not only meet the requirements of an Oracle ACE (that is, a track record of advocacy), but who can also commit to future participation in an ongoing dialog between Oracle and the people who use Oracle Technology or Applications in the "real world." Most Oracle ACE Directors have also made extraordinary contributions of some kind, whether technical or community-oriented. As with Oracle ACEs, employees are not eligible.

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What are the qualifications for Oracle ACE Director?

Above and beyond those of an Oracle ACE, ACE Director qualifications include:

• Track record of major contributions to the community, technical and/or community-oriented
• Good communication skills
• Ability to commit to participation in an honorary (noncompensated) capacity for 12 months

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What does an Oracle ACE Director do?

• Regularly communicates/interacts with the local community
• Provides feedback to Oracle including community input
• Maintains an active Oracle-related blog
• Presents at conferences/meetings/seminars
• Regularly posts answers and comments in Oracle Discussion Forums

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What does Oracle provide for ACE Directors?

• Promotion as an official expert on Oracle Web sites and at Oracle events
• Annual briefing at Oracle HQ
• Free software
• Access to and briefings with the product development/strategy teams
• "Fast-track" publication of articles and papers on OTN (with compensation)
• Speaking opportunities at Oracle and/or 3rd party events
• Private discussion forum for ACE Directors only
• Oracle ACE icon ( ) added to OTN discussion forum profile as well as OTN bylines
• Support from the Oracle ACE program office

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What commitment is required of an Oracle ACE Director?

Candidate must commit to the program for a minimum of 12 months. Within that timeframe, the following is expected:

An annual review will be conducted to determine if participants are meeting stated expectations. Oracle reserves the right to remove one's status if expectations are not being met in a 12 months period.

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Will I be paid as an ACE Director?

No. Upon acceptance we ask that you agree to participate in an honorary, non compensated capacity. However, compensation is provided to individuals for published content on OTN, and travel & accommodations for official briefings will be covered by Oracle.

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How can I become an Oracle ACE Director?

Nominations are open to the public but require sponsorship by either community program members and/or Oracle employee. A nomination committee will evaluate the submitted nomination form as well as validate credentials and areas of expertise. Recipients will be selected based on their qualifications. Oracle reserves the right to final judgment on all submitted nominations.

The Oracle ACE Director nomination form and instructions can be found here.

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I'm an Oracle ACE and I want to become an Oracle ACE Director. How do I do that?

You must provide evidence of not only your past community contributions, but also your commitment to participate with Oracle in a 2-way dialog for a 12 month period. If you feel you meet the requirements, submit a completed ACE Director nomination form to Victoria Lira.

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