Welcome to 5 Minute Briefing: Oracle an information resource prepared by Database Trends and Applications Magazine and published in cooperation with the Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG). To subscribe, click here.

Oracle Announces General Availability of Oracle SQL Developer Release 1.5

Oracle has announced the general availability of Release 1.5 of Oracle SQL Developer, its free and fully supported graphical tool for database development. “We have worked closely with the database developer community to better understand its needs and gather requests for product enhancements,” said Mike Hichwa, vice president of software development at Oracle. “The latest release of Oracle SQL Developer delivers numerous feature enhancements across the board that improve the general usability of the software and overall productivity of its users.

The release has several important new features including tight integration with source code control systems such as CVS and Subversion enabling database developers to navigate through their repositories of versioned objects and edit those files with Oracle SQL Developer. “Database developers can manage their SQL and PL/SQL text files from within the tool. This means that all their database development work remains within a single development environment,” Hichwa said.

The new release also features Migration Workbench support for Sybase ASE (Releases 12 – 15), in addition to Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and MySQL, offering users a single tool and environment that helps to reduce the time, costs and risks involved with moving third-party databases to Oracle, as well as support for the Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database. With Release 1.5, users can connect to their Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Databases to browse, create, edit, and delete Oracle TimesTen In-Memory database objects, run SQL statements and scripts, execute built-in procedures and utilities, manipulate and export data, view and produce reports.

Finally, Release 1.5 has features to support Oracle Database 11g. The PL/SQL Hierarchical Profiler provides users with a report to see where time is spent in PL/SQL code and the PL Scope features provides an extended search capability. Users with access to the licensed Oracle Diagnostics Pack can run Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) and Active Session History (ASH) reports. The across-the-board feature enhancements include enhanced schema copy and compare wizards that allow database developers to copy objects and data from one schema to another as well as compare schemas in databases they have access to.

SQL Developer is available for Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows platforms and is supported for any customer with a supported Oracle Database license. Oracle SQL Developer is available for Oracle Database 11g and is certified to run against Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition, and Standard Edition One. The tool is also available for all editions of Oracle Database 10g and Oracle9i Database Release 2. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Oracle also offers a free online forum for registered users to discuss Oracle SQL Developer topics. You can access the forum here. To download SQL Developer, go here.

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Noetix Provides Oracle Discoverer Customers with Advanced Integration Alternatives

Noetix, a software provider that automatically generates business intelligence (BI) content from enterprise applications, has introduced Noetix Generator for Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition (OBIEE), the newest member of its generator line of products for BI platforms including Business Objects, Cognos and Oracle.

“The users of Oracle's new BI suite, Oracle BI Enterprise Edition, need to get access to the data that's in the Oracle E-Business Suite and in PeopleSoft Enterprise. And to do that, they need to create an enterprise information model, the metadata model that OBIEE requires, and doing that manually is a very tedious, difficult task,” Daryl Orts, vice president of engineering technologies, Noetix, told 5 Minute Briefing. “We have a history of BI success in the Oracle E-Business Suite and PeopleSoft market. Our flagship product, NoetixViews, provides access to that information and now, with this new Generator, that information is available to users of OBIEE.”

Noetix also announced Noetix Migration Services, a combination of technology and services intended to provide a cost-effective method for migrating from Oracle Discoverer to leading BI platforms. With Noetix's broad platform support for Business Objects, Cognos and Oracle, customers who use Oracle Discoverer have a range of choices when planning their future BI initiatives, according to Noetix.

Oracle has announced its plan to de-support Oracle Discoverer and to migrate all of their Discoverer customers to OBIEE, Orts explained. “As a result, customers who have a large library of reports in Discoverer need some assistance and some plan for how they are going to migrate their BI environment from Discoverer to this new BI platform. Our services organization has some best practices plus technology to help make that transition,” said Orts.

Critical to the Noetix approach is NoetixViews for Oracle E-Business Suite and PeopleSoft, which provide “an unrivaled level of access to the information that's in those enterprise systems,” said Orts. “Taking that and making it available to customers with OBIEE is unmatched by competitive solutions - including that from Oracle,” he said. “The solution from Oracle is very much focused on creating a data warehouse and providing metrics and analytics through that data warehouse. Our solution focuses on operational reporting and real-time access to the data that is in their enterprise applications.”

Noetix Generator for Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition, will be generally available at the end of June. Noetix Migration Services are available now. For more information, go here.

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Confio Launches New Method of Performance Analysis and Confio Igniter Suite PI

Confio Software, a leader in wait-time database performance management tools, has announced “performance intelligence,” a new method of performance analysis that analyzes more than 13 dimensions of wait-time data to identify the source of delays for database applications.

From a functionality standpoint, with the introduction of the concept of performance intelligence, noted Don Bergal, COO of Confio, told 5 Minute Briefing, the company has focused on the ability “to mine the very granular wait time data that we capture from the monitored databases - with all these small bits of performance information - and then use business intelligence techniques to understand the trending and the history of that information so you get real insight into what is happening with the performance of your system.”

And specifically for the Oracle space, there are new capabilities because of the depth of analysis that people are looking for, Bergal said. For example, “we have offered a capability to show historical explain plans,” he said. “Oftentimes, the Oracle Optimizer makes changes in how it executes a specific SQL as time goes on - so even from one minute to the next the Oracle DB will use a completely different path when it executes the same statement and those changes can severely impact the performance of the system.” Now Ignite can track the actual plan that is used for each of those executions and the amount of wait time with each execution, allowing the user to compare and contrast those using the performance intelligence capability. “You can compare the execution of a SQL over time as that plan changes,” he added.

In conjunction with these enhancements, Confio has released a major new version of the Igniter Suite called Confio Igniter Suite PI. Confio Ignite PI for SQL Server, the suite's first product, is now available.

The new version of the suite offers a number of new features, Bergal said, “but it also is, very importantly, more of an open system, so instead of requiring an Oracle Database as a repository as before, we have moved all that functionality over to something we call the Performance Data Warehouse on SQL Server - and so made it open and portable across multiple databases.”

Key to the Ignite PI for SQL Server is the Ignite Performance Data Warehouse, running on a non-production SQL Server system stores continuous user wait-type data gathered across production servers from multiple vendors. With an intuitive Web-based interface, DBAs can identify problems, spot trends, anomalies and data relationships that are contributing to poor system performance.

Confio Ignite PI for SQL Server is intended for sites that want to use SQL Server as the storage of the Performance Data Warehouse. The Performance Data Warehouse can be installed on Windows, Unix and Linux servers. The agentless probes install no software on the monitored databases, which can be any combination of SQL Server, DB2, Oracle and Sybase. Free trials are available for download here. For more on Confio, go here.

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BakBone Releases NetVault: Backup Application Plugin Module for Oracle 11g

BakBone Software, a leading provider of heterogeneous integrated data protection solutions, has released a new version of NetVault: Backup Application Plugin Module (APM) for Oracle. BakBone simplifies the advanced backup and recovery features of Oracle with automated GUIs and the integration of backup devices, which allows non-Oracle administrators to easily and fully manage Oracle data protection without having to learn Oracle internals or create scripts. With NetVault: Backup APM for Oracle 5.5, customers can now protect Oracle 11g databases, experience seamless integration with the flash recovery area (FRA), simplify the duplicate database backup process, reduce downtime and lower mean time to recovery (MTTR) with the block media recovery feature.

Through a user-friendly interface and automated workflow processes, NetVault: Backup APM for Oracle delivers granular recoveries for faster restores and more reliable recovery. Database administrators can focus on critical tasks without risking the ability to recover exactly what is needed in the event of failure. Users now have the option to backup to tape or VTL, FRA, or both tape and FRA. "Protecting your data should allow maximum flexibility and control and provide the functionality to properly protect customers' individual environments," said Jeff Drescher, vice president of marketing, BakBone. "We strive to give our customers powerful solutions that are easy to deploy, use and manage and protect their critical applications. With BakBone, users can be confident that their Oracle data is protected and safely stored to meet their specific data protection needs and business continuity goals."

NetVault:Backup APM for Oracle eliminates the complexities in the recovery process. The solution is designed to speed up restores, reduce risks when deploying Oracle and increase business continuity with automatic integration of backup devices. NetVault: Backup APM for Oracle helps administrators protect large quantities of data, perform backups without affecting everyday business operations and minimize downtime during recovery by bringing critical data back quickly. For more information about BakBone, visit here.

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End-User Experience Management a Top Priority for 2008

Preemptive problem detection - defined as the ability to get a proactive handle on IT problems before there is an impact on end-users, business productivity or performance is a top IT priority according to the survey, "IT Management: Key Drivers and Challenges in 2008," which was sponsored by Aternity, a leader in end-user experience management solutions for Global 1000 enterprises. More than 70 senior IT and line-of-business (LOB) professionals participated in the survey, ranking their key IT priorities for 2008 and sharing their perspective on end user experience management strategies and best practices.

More than 35 percent of respondents indicated that “gaining a more proactive handle on IT problems before the impact is felt by end-users or upon business productivity and performance,” is their top priority for 2008. This was followed by server virtualization (21.9 percent), security (21.9 percent) and implementing green technologies (19.2 percent). More than 70 percent of survey respondents indicated that anywhere between 10 and 75 percent of all IT problems in their organization are not detected by IT, but rather unveiled by users after their productivity has been impacted. And 50 percent of the survey respondents indicated that the combination of desktop performance, application performance, and end-user productivity - were all equally important in optimally determining real end user experience

Unisphere Research, our research arm, conducts proprietary studies of IT trends. To read abstracts of these studies, go here. Are you interested in having proprietary research conducted for your company about issues of concern to you? For more information, send an email to Tom@dbta.com.

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Oracle’s Next Acquisition

It is getting to be quite the parlor game to speculate about Oracle’s next major acquisition. After all, Oracle has made a major acquisition every year for the past several years along with a slew of smaller buys. The rumors today are that a major independent data integration vendor may have approached Oracle, hoping to be bought. Other analysts have speculated that Oracle may look for a major pick-up in the SaaS space. I suppose you can guess who. The most important fact, however, is that Oracle has demonstrated that it can actually create value through acquisitions rather than destroy it, as used to be the case in most major technology vendor takeovers. Like Cisco Systems, effectively integrating companies into the Oracle line-up is emerging as a key competency. To follow trends in the industry, read the e-edition of Database Trends and Applications magazine here.

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The IOUG Launches its New Corporate Membership Option

Recognizing your unique business and employee needs, the IOUG has created new corporate membership options so that your company gets the highest return on your investment.

New Corporate Membership Options
Determine the option that makes the most sense to your organization:

• IOUG Corporate Standard Membership
  
  • Up to 5 delegates allowed
    
  • All delegates receive full IOUG member benefits
    
  • One- or two-year renewal option ($495 and $895 respectively)

  Savings starting at $200

• IOUG Corporate Enterprise Membership – best value!
  
  • Unlimited delegates allowed
    
    • 10 priority delegates receive full IOUG member benefits
      
    • Unlimited ‘Online Delegates’ receive online member benefits and the conference discount price
      
    • Priority delegates
      
  • One- or two-year renewal option ($795 and $1,395 respectively)
    
  • Add Extra Priority Delegates ($60 per person per year)

Savings starting at $700

What Your Company Gets
As an IOUG Corporate Member company, each individual under the corporate umbrella will get access to:

• SELECT Journal, the quarterly technical publication produced by leading industry authorities representing vendor and end user perspectives. (Corporate Standard Membership delegates and Corporate Enterprise Priority Delegates only)
  
• Key IT research findings from the IOUG ResearchWire reports.
  
• Tested tips, techniques and best practices from the IOUG’s Library of Oracle Knowledge (LoOK).
  
• Timely industry news, organization updates, technical content and special member offers from vendors in the IOUG’s twice monthly e-newsletter, 5 Minute Briefing: Oracle.
  
• Member discounts including savings on registration to COLLABORATE 09.
  
• Real-life solutions by joining an IOUG Special Interest Group (SIG) or Regional User Group (RUG).
  
• The premier network of Oracle technology professionals!

How to Renew or Upgrade Your Membership

Current Corporate Members: Your Corporate Membership will remain as is until your membership expires. At that time, a renewal notice detailing the new corporate membership options will be sent to you for consideration.

Individual Members: If either of the above Corporate Member options suits your company’s business needs, visit www.ioug.org/about/join.cfm to join as a Corporate Member.

If you have questions about the new Corporate Membership options, contact the IOUG at ioug@ioug.org or 1.312.245.1579.

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Mark Your Calendar for IOUG Regional Education

Take advantage of expert education from the IOUG in collaboration with local groups. Mark your calendar for these educational events:

• October 27, 2008 in partnership with Utah Oracle Users Group in Salt Lake City, UT
  
• November 6, 2008 in partnership with National Capitol Oracle Users Group in Reston, VA
  
• November 7, 2008 in partnership with Ohio Oracle Users Group in Dublin, OH
  
• November 14, 2008 in partnership with Dallas Oracle Users Group in Plano, TX
  
• March 2009 in partnership with Northern California Oracle Users Group
  

Continue to visit www.ioug.org for updated information on these events.

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There Has Never Been a More Exciting Time to be an IOUG Member!

The Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG), a membership organization comprised of more than 20,000 Oracle technology and database professionals, continues to enhance its member benefits. Now, you can take advantage of:

• Enhancement voting, where you can provide feedback directly to Oracle regarding pending enhancement requests on topics ranging from Application Express to PL/SQL to RAC.
  
• Fusion Middleware Portal, where you can obtain suggestions, tips and opinions based on real user experience from the site’s blogs, discussion forums, podcasts, an online repository and more.
  
• Oracle Professional Exchange Network (OPEN), a social networking tool that allows you to share information and best practices with Oracle users from across the globe via its wikis, discussion forums, Ask the Expert feature, and “Collaborator” tool.
  
• And much more!

Click here to join the IOUG today!

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Receive FREE Oracle SQL Injection Training and Attend the Follow-up Webinar

Interested in learning about SQL injection? Oracle is offering free training materials titled “Defending Against SQL Injection Attacks.” After the training, participants are encouraged to attend the follow-up Webinar, taking place Wednesday, June 18 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CDT, to have their questions answered by Oracle experts.

The Oracle training materials will highlight some of the coding practices required to eliminate SQL injection vulnerabilities when developing in an Oracle environment. The follow-up Webinar will provide you the chance to ask Oracle security experts questions about the proper coding practices required to prevent SQL Injections. Webinar speakers include:

• John Heimann, Senior Director of Security Programs in Global Product Security, Oracle Corporation
  
• Jenny Tsai-Smith, Senior Director of Server Technologies Curriculum Development, Oracle Corporation
  

Dive deep into the issues surrounding SQL injections, and register for this Webinar today!

*Space is limited.

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Share Your Oracle Knowledge: Become an Author

Packt Publishing, a leading publisher of Oracle technology books, is looking for authors on various Oracle subjects. Become an author, or co-write with one of your colleagues, on one of the following titles:

• Getting Started with Oracle Warehouse Builder
  A step-by-step guide to creating and implementing your first data warehouse
  

The target audience for this book is business analysts, database administrators and business intelligence developers, who have been handed their first Business Intelligence project and will be using Warehouse Builder to manage their data. This will be a beginner's tutorial (akin to a Dummy's Guide) that runs through the basics with real world examples.

Prerequisites: Experience in the basic use of Oracle RDBMS

• Oracle Warehouse Builder – An Administrator’s Handbook
  Managing fast, efficient, secure systems

The target audience for this book is database administrators. The title will be a handbook that covers the administration tasks that a DBA needs to master when using OWB. This includes: learning to configure and manage repositories, setting up backups and enabling recovery, managing security and maximizing system efficiency.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with Warehouse Builder and data warehousing

• Web 2.0 Solutions with Oracle WebCenter
  Developing real world enterprise applications in an online work environment

The target audience for this book is java developers with a focus on Web 2.0 development. The book will be a tutorial for developers, covering core techniques in putting together an enterprise application.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of JDeveloper and ADF Oracle Application Development Framework

Packt will work closely with the author/s during the writing phase and provide full editorial support. In turn, no previous writing experience is needed…many of their authors have been first-timers.

Author Requirements:

• Expertise with the specific topic area of the book
  
• Proficiency in English
  
• Previous authoring experience is not necessary, but a plus
  

If you have questions or want more information about this opportunity please contact Sheila Cepero, Manager of Oracle Publishers Program, at sheila.cepero@oracle.com.

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Founded in 1993, the Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG) (formerly International Oracle Users Group) is a user-driven membership organization for Oracle technology and database professionals serving more than 15,000 database administrators, developers, architects, technical managers and other Oracle professionals throughout North America and worldwide. The IOUG empowers its members and the broader Oracle community through their technical publication, SELECT Journal, Web site resources including more than 3000 papers, tips and articles and networking with other users through online discussion forums, Special Interest Groups and a network of regional Oracle user groups. For more information about the IOUG, please visit the IOUG Web site.

Database Trends and Applications, published by Unisphere Media, provides timely coverage of the technology and intelligence needed to conceptualize, plan, initiate, implement and manage large-scale integrated information projects. Unisphere Media also publishes 5 Minute Briefing: Data Integration, a summary of news, trends, and insights addressing crucial data integration challenges and 5 Minute Briefing: MultiValue, a review of news, technical tips and insights for the MultiValue database community. Visit our Web site here.

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