The ACTOUG will be holding its inaugural "beer debate" in July (tentative date is 6pm Thursday 22nd July). Likely location is the Durham or Holy Grail in Kingston.

The goal is to pick an interesting topic, and over a beer debate it. There will be an impartial moderator to ensure the discussion stays lively and within bounds. Its not a formal debate, more drink a beer and explain why your side of the argument is superior to the other side.

The User Group will cover costs (beer + beer food) but there will be a limit of 8 people.
Warning: The debate might be taped for a podcast.

The first topic will be MySQL vs Oracle. - Preference will be given for those who are serious MySQL users (so if you know any MySQL DBA's you can invite them even if they are not members).

If you would like to attend, and/or you know someone who is a MySQL expert and who is willing to defend MySQL, please email marcel@piction.com Please include which side you are likely going to be on. A debate isn't interesting if its one sided. So there will be 4 for MySQL and 4 for Oracle.

Those interested need to express it by cob Friday 26th June.

Due to factors out of the committees control, we have had to cancel the applications stream. We have also had to cancel the session on Oracle Apex, and have replaced it with an 11gR2 features overview presentation.
We apologise for the inconvenience.

The next ACT Oracle user group seminar session is scheduled for Wednesday 2 June 2010 to be held at the Oracle building in Turner.
NOTE: This is NOT at Reid CIT

The agenda so far is: (this page will be updated further closer to the time)

	Speakers
08:30 - 9:00	Arrive and register
	Technology Stream
9:00 - 10:00	Oracle 11gR1 and R2 - Indexing - Richard Foote
10:00 - 11:00	11gR2 Feature Overview for DBAs and Developers - Marcel Kratochvil Covering XML, Webservices, PL/SQL, RMAN, Clusters, Exadata, Warehousing, Performance Tuning, Networking, Storage and Linux/Windows/Solaris comparisons.
11:00 - 12:00	Oracle Sun merger As much technical info on the merger as can be told. Covering Solaris, Java, Hardware and Middleware.
12:30	Lunch

To register for this event please complete the registration form at our events page

The ACTOUG has managed to secure Chris Muir to do a special half day presentation for the members. The presentation is being sponsored by the Oracle ACE Director Program. Chris is well know in Canberra and has presented on numerous occasions over the last ten years.

Seminar Title: Simple database web services and Oracle JDeveloper 11g JAX-WS
When: Thursday 18th March 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: Oracle Conference Rooms, Ground Floor Turner (for those not aware, Oracle has refurbished the ground floor in Turner allowing us to now have presentations on site)
Cost: Free to Members

Presentation 1: Back to basics: Simple database web services without the need for SOA

Abstract: Oracle is heavily heading down the SOA line which can be intimidating to database programmers with no experience in the web service arena or running application servers, let alone SOA. This presentation will identify as a first step that database programmers can make use of database packages like utl_http, utl_dbws and 11g's Native Web Services for consuming and publishing web services without adopting SOA straight off the ranks.

Agenda:

• * Basic web service terminology: HTTP, SOAP, WSDL, RPC vs Document styles
• * Consuming web services from the Oracle Database options
• * Investigation of utl_http and utl_dbws
• * Publishing native web services from the Oracle 11g Database

Presentation 2:Oracle JDeveloper 11g JAX-WS Web Services: As easy as 1-2-3: XSD, WSDL, Generate!

Abstract: Web services used to be hard. Creating XML schemas, long-winded Web Services Description Language (WSDL) code, and back-end Java code took much effort. Today Oracle JDeveloper 11g enables developers to visually design both the schemas and WSDL code by drag and drop and generate Web services based on both of these with the latest Java EE JAX-WS/JAXB Web service standards with just a few clicks. Finally programmers can get back to thinking about the programming problem they need to solve without wasting time setting up the Web service artifacts, which can be tedious, error-prone, and very repetitive. Learn more in this session.

(see: http://www.sagecomputing.com.au/presentations_sage_computing_services.html )

Bio: Chris Muir has slaved away for the last 10 years as an Oracle specialist in Australia for SAGE Computing Services, with battle scars from using the latest Oracle tools including JDeveloper, APEX and others. As an Oracle ACE Director, Oracle ACE Director of the Year in 2009, a former president of the Victorian Australian Oracle User Group branch, and a presenter at user group events and Oracle Open World, Chris is an active promoter of Oracle technology and its users.

Somehow he even finds time to blog at: http://one-size-doesnt-fit-all.blogspot.com/

To register for this event at our events page.

The ACTOUG Beer and Pizza Night is on again.

The ACTOUG has secured an international speaker from the UK, Tim Hall, who is presenting at the AUSOUG conference in November. Reservations are important as space is limited (and we need to know how many to cater for). Developers, DBAs and managers are all welcome to attend.

Guest Speaker: Tim Hall (UK) - www.oracle-base.com.
When: Friday 13th Nov 2009 : 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Where: Oracle Canberra (Turner). In the new Ground floor Conference room. The entrance is on the ground floor right next to the main glass doors. Note - this is the first time we are holding a user group presentation at Oracle. Though parking is usually free after 5.30pm keep in mind its a Friday night.
Presentation Title: PL/SQL: It's all in the presentation...
Cost: Free to Members

Bio
Tim Hall is an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) DBA (7, 8, 8i, 9i, 10g, 11g), Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer, Oracle ACE Director and was chosen as Oracle ACE of the Year 2006 by Oracle Magazine Editors Choice Awards. He has been involved in DBA, design and development work with Oracle databases since 1994.

He has gained a wide knowledge of the Oracle software stack and has worked as a consultant for several multi-national companies on projects ranging from real-time control systems to OLTP web applications. Since 2000 he has published over 350 articles on his website (www.oracle-base.com) covering a wide range of Oracle features.

To assist us in catering for this event, please register at our events page.

The next ACT Oracle user group seminar session is tentatively scheduled for 23 July 2009 at Reid CIT, with the usual lunch provided afterwards downstairs in the cafe.

The agenda so far is:

Time	Speakers
09.00 - 09.15	Arrive and register
	Technology Stream	Applications Stream
9.15 - 10.00	Integrating Oracle UCM with TRIM records using web services connectors Tanya Williams - Sales Consultant, specializing in Enterprise Content Management technology (ex-Stellent products). Bio Tanya started her career working for Sagemaker, CT USA. It was the first global Enterprise Informational portal vendor, which was acquired by Divine. She moved to Australia in 2002 and worked for financial organizations and a Content Management vendor as a part of Engineering and Consulting. Tanya has worked with Finance, Insurance, IT Consulting, Government and Health industry clients. Tanya holds a BA in Linguistics and a MSc in Computer Science. She took courses in Financial Markets. Tanya's professional interests at the moment include ECM, Knowledge Management and Collaboration, Portals and Web 2.0 technologies.	The DFAT PeopleSoft upgrade - an interesting experience ! Kristan Dooley - Director Management Information Systems Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade In July 2008, DFAT upgraded its PeopleSoft system from Version 7.0 to Version 8.9. The impact on the entire department was immediate. his presentation will cover how the upgrade was implemented, what new functionality was delivered and what lessons were learnt - there were many! Bio Kristan Dooley took on the role as Director, Management Information Systems Section in February 2009 and hasn't had a dull day since. Prior to joining MIS, Kristan worked in the corporate governance and strategic planning branch within DFAT. Kristan has been with DFAT for eleven years and has had one overseas posting to Jakarta. Kristan was an officer in the Royal Australian Navy for ten years before joining DFAT.
10.00 - 10.15	Morning Tea
10.00 - 10.15	AGM
10.30 - 11.15	Overview of Fusion Middleware 11g Mark Nelson - Master Principal Sales Consultant Oracle Bio Mark is the only pre-sales consultant in the Southern hemisphere to reach Master Principle and is one of Oracle Australia's most experienced technical experts.	Leveraging your Oracle & PeopleSoft investments with Business Intelligence Application Fintan Diviney, ANZ GM for EPM/BI & Sanjiv Bansal, Director for BI Applications Understand how existing Oracle & PeopleSoft customers can implement an integrated business intelligence applications solution to get additional value of their existing investments. With Oracle Business Intelligence Analytics, it will provide: Hundreds of pre-built reports to analyze performance and optimize profitability Clear visibility into Finance, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Sales performance Automatic problem detection, with alerts delivered to frontline decision makers The ability to quickly generate regulatory compliance reports Quick and simple integration with your existing IT environment Bio Fintan heads up the Enterprise Performance Management and Business Intelligence within Oracle ANZ. Fintan worked for Hyperion prior to its acquisition by Oracle in a number of senior management roles. He has worked in the performance management space for over 20 years as a consultant, trainer, customer and end user. Sanjiv Bansal leads the Business Intelligence Applications solutions in Asia Pacific. He has over 17 years industry experience and specialises in the delivery of Business Intelligence Applications.
11.15 - 12.00	11g New Features Out of the Box Alex Gorbachev Unlike many presentations on 11g new features, this session will be focused on the enhancements that often go unnoticed and not marketed widely but boost DBA productivity and are available out of the box without much implementations efforts. Bio Alex Gorbachev leads Australian operations for The Pythian Group as VP, East Asia Pacific. He has been working with Oracle database technologies for more than 10 years managing critical environments and architecting high-end database systems. Alex is an active blogger and a frequent presenter at the conferences around the globe. Alex is an Oracle ACE Director and a member of the OakTable Network.	Establishment of a Federal Government Payroll / HRMS Shared Service Centre Robert Kennedy, Executive Director, Oakton Steve Coleman, Director, Packaged Solutions, Oakton This presentation will outline the benefits to be derived from utilising a shared service centre to provide support for applications, in particular focusing on the Oracle PeopleSoft HRMIS & Payroll application. Issues to be addressed will include: Organisational structures; Efficiency gains; Reducing operational risks; Building long term sustainability; Transition and implementation approaches. Bio Robert Kennedy was one of the founding Partners of Acumen Alliance and has been advising government agencies on selection and operation of corporate systems for over 15 years. Steve Coleman has been implementing and supporting the PeopleSoft application in federal Government for over 15 years and has led teams to implement, support and upgrade these applications in most of the Federal government agencies using the application
11:50 - 12:00	Ask Oracle
12:00	Lunch and Close

To register for this event please complete the registration form at our events page

The ACTOUG annual Beer and Pizza Night is on again.

Guest Speaker: Scott Wesley - Sage.
When: Wednesday 20th May 2009
Where: ASG Building 40 Thesiger Court Deakin Canberra ACT 2600

Agenda:
5.30pm Beer + Pizzas
6.00pm Session Commences
7.00pm More Beer and Pizza

Forum:
This is an interactive session including live demonstrations of 11G Features. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and be as interactive as possible.

To assist us in catering for this event, please register at our events page.

The presentations from the user group seminar morning of Wednesday 29 April 2009 are now available.

• Useful Oracle 11G DBA/Developer features that are not advertised - Marcel Kratochvil
• Top 10 tips for optimizing Oracle DB - Guy Harrison, Quest Software

The next ACT Oracle user group seminar morning will be held on Wednesday 29 April 2009 at Reid CIT, with the usual lunch provided afterwards downstairs in the cafe.

The Complete Agenda is:

Time	Speakers
08.45-09.00	Arrive and register
09.00-09.05	Introduction of guest speakers and Oracle staff
09.05-09.45	Useful Oracle 11G DBA/Developer features that are not advertised - Marcel Kratochvil
	Technology	Applications
09.45-10.30	Universal Content Management (Previously known as Stellent) - Andrew James	Integrated Talent Management Linda Hemsworth - Principal HCM Solutions Consultant Today’s changing business landscape demands that HR aligns its processes, practices and strategies with business objectives. An integrated talent management framework from Oracle delivers this success via a holistic view of talent. Oracle has comprehensive solutions to address the needs of attracting, developing and retaining talent. This informative session will provide an overview of the functionality available and considerations for the roll out and selection of solutions. Linda Hemsworth is a Principal Business Solutions Consultant, specialising in the HCM suite of applications. With over 20 years Human Resources and Payroll experience across many industries including 10 years with Oracle, Linda is in a unique position to understand the challenges organisations are faced with today.
10.30-10.45	Morning Tea
10.45-11.30	Top 10 tips for optimizing Oracle DB Guy Harrison, Quest Software	Preview of Application Integration Architecture (AIA) Mark Nelson - Master Principal Sales Consultant This presentation will explain Oracle Application Integration Architecture (AIA) - what it is, how it fits in with Oracle's Fusion strategy, and what it means for applications customers. It will include a demonstration of how AIA can be used for an Order to Cash process involving Siebel and E-Business Suite, including Availability to Promise, Order Booking, Shipping Advice, Completion and Invoicing. Mark Nelson is a Master Principal Sales Consultant with Oracle Fusion Middleware, with almost 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Mark has worked on projects to service enable and integrate applications including E-Business Suite, Siebel, Peoplesoft, JDE, Portal Infranet, Oracle Utilities Customer Care and Billing and SAP to enable organisations to create more flexible business processes and obtain better visibility and control over their processes.
11:30 - 11:50	Stuart Ross to chair discussion on impact of Gershon review
11:50 - 12:00	Ask Oracle
12:00	Lunch and Close

To register for this event please complete the registration form at our events page

Due to popular requests to assist self-funded contractors in self education, Atlas Business Services, OAEC, is now providing weekend training.

The next course being run is Oracle Database 11g 2 Day DBA on 14-15 February.

Please contact Kerrie Johansson on 02 6162 0007 to request a course or obtain further course information.

With the festive season almost here, the ACTOUG invites you to it's christmas gathering to be held at Casino Canberra on Wednesday the 10th December 2008 at 5pm

Come along and join your fellow ACTOUG members to reminisce about the years achievements, over some nibbles and drinks

As always, let us know your intention to attend by completing the registration form on our events page to help organise catering.