Almost every consultant these days is worried about the:
- Budget cuts in Information Technology
- Economic Conditions
- Supply-Demand in Job Market
- Technology Trends
- Learning Curve
These factors are forcing consultants to be more proactive and stay updated on new technologies/Releases. Though the points which I am going to list will hold good for any subject, I have E-Business Suite Release 12 in my mind when I am writing for this post.
Few ways to get information:
Formal Training:
If your time and budget permits opt for formal training from Oracle University, there are online courses available. You have other options just Google.
Oracle Resources:
Release Content Documents: Oracle provides release content documents which are referred as RCDs, these documents lists new and obsolete functionality. Basically it is a delta document and a good starting point to get into new release.
User Guides & Technical Reference Material: If you want to dig deep into the subject you always have user guides from oracle, but it may be too early for you to go into them. At this time you are trying to get feel of new release, concentrate on the overview and big picture.
Metalink (My Oracle Support): If you have access to Metalink just search with proper keywords, you should get good clues if not direct answer. For known issues you will get good solutions.
Online Resources:
Blogs: Blogs are very resourceful; some consultants are taking time to put together what they have learned and posting online. This trend is increasing which is a positive development. Mantra: Share, Share, Share….
Networking: Join the professional groups and follow them. When ever you have questions post them no matter how small it is. Small question can trigger bigger discussion. Know what’s happening with everybody, it also helps you to benchmark yourself with others.
RSS Feeds: Some sites provide the RSS feeds subscribe to RSS feeds, there are many good RSS readers available, which can complete the job for you.
Favorites: Save the good links as your favorites, saves lot of time in search.
Discussion Forums: Ask questions, answer questions.
User groups:
Membership: Take membership of professional user groups and attend the meetings and webcasts.
Online Professional Groups: Register with online professional user groups, you can get good whitepapers and presentations.
Research:
Spend time and research for yourself, rigorously test the application.
Discuss with friends, colleagues:
Discuss your issues with friends and participate in your friends issues, it helps you to get more exposure.
Know your Learning Curve & Scope:
So many modules and so many features, best way to start is choose your area say Financials Suite. Search online, for example training institutes provide the compiled list of course content with list of topics module wise. Take print out and use them.
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