The other day, a reader asked, "How does one become an EBS DBA?" He'd worked on an ERP environment in the past but seemed to be overwhelmed. This is understandable; there's lots to learn. The good news is that there are many options to becoming an Apps DBA.
If you have limited funds
1. Start with the official documentation
There is a vast trove of information contained within the online E-Business Suite Documentation Library. Our documentation writers are devoted to capturing everything that you need to know to manage the E-Business Suite, and the organization of the documentation is top-notch. All aspiring DBAs should start here:
2. Build your own sandbox environment
The only way to learn is to work with a real environment. You can download Oracle VM templates for the E-Business Suite and have an environment running within a few hours:
3. Get the latest information
EBS technology is constantly being refreshed. You can learn about specific EBS topics from the developers themselves in these free one-hour webcasts:
We release over 150 new certifications a year, so it's vital to monitor or subscribe to this blog to stay current:
If you prefer formal classroom-style training4. Talk with your peers
There are dozens of Oracle EBS discussion forums. The best DBAs in the world congregate here and are generous with their expertise. Some recommendations for DBAs:
- EBS Technology - General discussion
- EBS Technology - LCM: R12 Install/Upgrade (LCM stands for Lifecycle Management)
- EBS Technology - LCM: Managing Oracle Applications
Oracle University has some excellent courses: Oracle Applications - E-Business Suite Training.
Here are some great ways get started in E-Business Suite Tools and Technologies:
- R12 Oracle Applications System Administrator Fundamentals - Self-Study Course
- R12 Oracle E-Business Suite Essentials for Implementers - Self-Study Course
- R12 Oracle: Install, Patch, and Maintain Oracle Applications - Self-Study Course
If you want to get certified
You can get certified through the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) program. Here is the learning track to becoming an EBS DBA:
- Step 1 – Prior Certification in Oracle 10g Database Administration OCP or
Prior Certification in Oracle 11g Database Administration OCP - Step 2 –Pass the Oracle E-Business Suite R12: Install, Patch and Maintain Applications Exam
As I was getting ready to fire off an email to the gentleman, I sat back and thought about the context of the gentleman’s inquiry. We have a diversified selection of education offerings that are fee-based and free. Oracle University courses are outstanding. Self study classes can be performed from anywhere. Our documentation resources are extensive as well as comprehensive. We have software to download and try. Everything is in place to achieve all the goals you might ever want to achieve dealing with Oracle Application Technologies.
There is just one catch: whatever route the gentleman chooses to take, there will have to be a substantial investment in time and resources. Technology continually advances, so this will be an ongoing investment.
Often, individuals who embark on the path of learning our technologies miss that. I wish I could convey to those that start the journey, that even for those of us who are Oracle professionals, we never stop learning our own technologies.
There is no easy way to become an expert. but it's worth it.