• VLDBs - Oracle databases are getting larger and larger. There is more complexity in managing very large databases running RAC, Data Guard, Streams. Storage and security are playing a larger role as well. People with strong skills sets in VLDBs are going to increase in demand.
• Oracle Fusion Middleware - This going to be a great area to expand in. People with skills in SOA, BPEL, BAM, ESB, Web Services, J2EE, ADF, JSF and XML are going to increase significantly in demand. The issue here is Oracle Fusion Applications are not rolling out yet. This demand is coming in the future. So there is time for you to get up to speed to take advantage of this future hot area.
• Application Server Administrators - People that can manage the middle tier are just as important as the Oracle DBAs. The Oracle Application Server, BEA, WebSphere are all complex applications that require a lot of skill to manage successfully.
• Application DBAs - People with DBA experience that can work with middleware developers and application server environments.
  
• Managing Complexity - People with strong skill sets in Grid Control or Quest and that can manage multiple tiers of an Oracle environment from the database server to the application server are going to increase in demand. DBAs that contribute more to the business versus heads down DBAs that just write scripts are needed more than ever.
  
• Hetergenous environments - DBAs that can manage multiple database platforms such as SQL Server, MySQL and DB2 are going to be in strong demand.
• Security - Security is playing a larger role every day. Experts in the area are going to be able to name their price.
• Open Source - The LAMP stack is playing a larger role. Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP are having almost exponential growth.

Labels: Oracle, Oracle Future Trends and Directions

1. Volunteer! Best way to meet new people and feel a part of the conference.
2. Join! There are often Special Interest Groups (SIGs) or other groups within a conference that try to bring people with common interests together.
3. Introduce yourself! Try to meet as many people as you can at the conference. Challenge yourself to meet as many people as you can as possible. Ask them questions like: What's the best presentation you've attended so far? Are there any speakers you really like and would recommend to someone new to a conference attend? What area are you focusing on at the conference? A conference is the best way to work on your communication and networking skills. Buy a book on networking and try some of the techniques. If you are new to the conference no one knows you, what do you have to lose? Ask them about what environments they are running? What challenges are they having with their technology?
   
4. Attend get togethers! Every conference has breakfast, unconference and birds of a feather meetings and other ways to network. If one doesn't work out, don't get discouraged. Remember you don't know anyone there how can you make a mistake.
5. Business cards! Bring business cards and everyone you meet give them a business card. Who knows, someone might even give you there card. :)
6. Prepare! Get organized. There are tons of great books, blogs, and Internet information on 10 ten tips for introducing yourself, networking and socializing. Try them.
   
7. Submit! Submit a presentation. Awesome way to expand your comfort level and for people to get to know you. Most important thing people want at a conference is to learn from other people's experiences. You don't have to be a top expert. Do not underestimate what you have to say?
   

Labels: Collaborate 08, IOUG

• Java and SOA are extremely scalable and powerful solutions that are great when those benefits are needed.
• APEX is a strong Oracle solution that does not need application servers but it does require an Oracle database. APEX can be a very strong solution for Oracle Forms and Reports and legacy client/sever applications that are looking to move to a web based environment.
  
• Ruby on Rails and PHP are great for web based applications that do not need a lot of database features.

Labels: RMOUG

• Rich Niemiec's presentation "All Uncommon Leaders" was one of the best presentations I've ever seen in my life. I've been going to business and technical conferences for about 15 years and listening to great speakers such as Gene Kranz (NASA flight director), Henry Kissinger, etc. and Rich is in the upper echelon of outstanding inspirational speakers. Way to go Rich!
  
• There were excellent presentations on Fusion Middleware, APEX, XQuery, etc.
• Congratulations to the speakers from Raytheon, every presentation I went to from the Raytheon team was outstanding.
• Noticed significant change in trends in topics selected and focus of presenters. When you looked at the presentation topics and how full the rooms were, you were definitely able to see where the interest resides in the Oracle user community.
• RMOUG continues to attract the top presenters in the industry, naming a few: Thomas Kyte, Jonathan Lewis (met for the first time), Peter Koletzke, Paul Dorsey, Tim Gorman, John King, Duncan Mills, Michael Ault, Steve Lemme, Don Burleson, etc. I don't mean to leave anyone out these are just the list of people I have seen speak in the last year. Speaking to any of these excellent speakers is definitely worth its weight in gold.

Labels: IOUG, Oracle conference, RMOUG

• Lots of presentations on Oracle Database 11g New Features.
• Application Express (APEX).
• Oracle Fusion Middleware.
• XML.
• Security.
• Oracle development.

Labels: George Trujillo, Oracle training, RMOUG, Trubix