Scheduled to take place at Sun City from 25th to the 27th of September 2006, conference organisers have confirmed an agenda which focuses on the concerns and requirements of the considerably-extended user community.

According to SAOUG president Ian Child, while the most burning questions concern Oracle’s strategic direction in terms of its Fusion Architecture, a key function of the conference which will not be overlooked remains that of facilitating access to information from the user community for the user community.

“The SAOUG Board has worked diligently to secure presentations from around the globe which serve to demonstrate the successes, challenges and opportunities associated with the use of Oracle software. Top local and international professionals using Oracle technologies and solutions share their insights, fast tracking value creation for local users,” he says.

Child adds that with significant market penetration in South Africa for the JD Edwards and PeopleSoft applications suites, specific tracks for users of these solutions will be provided through SAOUG’s association with Quest International Users Group.

Notably, he says Oracle has participated extensively in the preparations for the conference, reflecting the vendor’s commitment to the interests of its users across technologies and application suites.

Dealing with Oracle Fusion and its plans for the integration of its acquisitions, notable speakers include Sergio Giacoletto, executive VP of Oracle EMEA – who will share Oracle’s strategy and Fusion roadmap - Nicky Sheridan, VP and managing director of Oracle South Africa and Andrew Sutherland. VP Technology Oracle EMEA, who will delve into the company’s technology strategy.

Independent presentations include those from Gartner Africa’s Johan Jacobs (Gartenr evaluates Oracle: Fusion or Vision), while presentations from Shell Canada, Absa, several leading retailers and other companies will provide insight into using Oracle technology in the field.

Nicky Sheridan, Oracle SA managing director, says the organisation is actively focusing on growing and upskilling the Oracle community. “One of the biggest stumbling blocks from users [of our technology] is the lack of available and useable skill. We want to work with our partners to help address this issue,” he says.

Sheridan adds that the company values the opportunity to participate extensively with the SAOUG. “SAOUG is a forum through which Oracle is able to get a clearer idea of the needs of our customers, while also giving us the opportunity to address concerns by gaining an idea of how our solutions stack up in the real world.”

Regular features of the Conference, such as Special Interest Groups – this year covering Business Intelligence Strategy, Database, Human Capital Management, Oracle Fusion Middleware, JD Edwards Technology and Financials, and PeopleSoft Technology and Financials – are geared to meet the needs of professionals in these specific areas of focus. Meanwhile, Master Classes cover practical implementations, and Mini-labs dealing with the practical handling of a variety of technology challenges. Round tables will also provide opportunities to discuss a range of issues while building relationships.

“This year’s conference has provided greatly expanded opportunities for thought-provoking and potentially critical discussions on the way forward for Oracle users from across a range of vendors. We’re confident that we have prepared an agenda that will provide answers to the most pressing questions of our users,” Child concludes.