Modernization


Oracle Forms
Many organizations around the world have been using Oracle Forms based applications as part of their business information infrastructure for years.

One of the most popular software tools in the world, Forms offered high end technology that enabled organizations to build customized business applications without the need for complex coding. Companies have relied on their forms based applications for so long, they have become critical to meeting business objectives

As business requirements change over the years and new challenges arise, Oracle has consistently kept up with these needs by providing upgraded versions of Forms. New technology advances provide access to better functionality, more convenience with better cost savings. Since its introduction, Forms technology has evolved from desktop block/character mode to clientserver to the web.

Yet still, there are many organizations that are hesitant to upgrade to newer versions. The common adage still rings, ‘if it’s not broken, then there’s no need to fix it.’ There are also other concerns which are preventing many organizations from upgrading their forms applications.

Some of these concerns are:
Not sure where the Forms technology is going,
Upgrading means user re-training,
Upgrading means hiring new staff with new skills,
Upgrading can be risky as there is a chance of losing well proven business logic in those applications,
Upgrading and deploying applications can be expensive
While these concerns may seem reasonable, they are not valid as we will see later in this document.

Migrating to newer versions of Forms is a viable option

Here are the primary reasons that companies should choose to migrate to a newer version of Forms.
Risk of de-support and obsolescence,
Potential for cost savings,
Business Process Integration and enhanced functionality,
Keep up with Oracle’s future direction,
 
POTENTIAL FOR COST SAVINGS
Depending on your specific situation, there is the potential for significant cost savings for upgrading forms to newer version of Forms. Cost savings can result from:

Avoiding the cost of extended support
With newer versions there is no need to pay additional fees for extended support on top of the regular maintenance costs.
Reduced cost of new version license
In some cases, based on your type of deployment and system configuration, there is potential for realizing savings in licensing and maintenance costs.
Reduced deployment costs
New version of Forms allow web deployment. Web deployment enables access of Forms applications via a web browser from any where in the world, eliminating the need for using remote access software. Since web applications are deployed centrally, the cost of deploying an application is reduced significantly. Web deployment could also result in reduced maintenance costs.
Leverage existing investment in Oracle Technology
By upgrading the legacy Forms applications, organizations can extend the life of Forms applications without risk. This better utilizes the existing Oracle infrastructure and minimizes the need for new investments in hardware and software for a new application platform
Better utilization of saved funds
By upgrading the legacy Forms applications, organizations can extend the life of Forms applications without risk. This better utilizes the existing Oracle infrastructure and minimizes the need for new investments in hardware and software for a new application platform
CONCERNS ALLEVIATED
Not sure where the Forms technology is going
Oracle Forms has a very large user base around the world. Many mission critical business applications are running on Oracle Forms. Even Oracle EBusiness suite is based on Oracle Forms. Recognizing this fact, Oracle has developed a clear roadmap for Oracle Forms and has not declared any intention to discontinue the product. In fact, Forms is now part of the Oracle go-forward FUSION strategy.
Upgrading means user re-training
Not True. By upgrading to a higher version of Forms, users will see little difference in the basic functionality and business logic of the applications. Even the look and feel of the applications can be kept to a large extent (change to full graphical user interface and make use of all new features are only optional). Re-training will not be necessary and users will be able to adjust to the upgraded applications quickly and easily. The upgraded forms can be deployed on the client-server, character, web and wireless platforms.
Upgrading can be risky as there is a chance of losing well proven business logic in those applications
Not True. The upgrade can be accomplished with little risk to the existing business logic in the Forms applications. Our tool make this process simple and painless.
Upgrading and deploying applications can be expensive
Not True. Upgrading an application manually can be expensive and a lengthy process. The use of migration tools can result in significant savings in the cost (up to 60%) and can cut down the time required significantly.

Tools for Upgrade and Migration of Forms

While upgrading the legacy Forms applications to the new Forms version is the easiest and inexpensive option, there are other options available. Forms applications can be migrated to Oracle Java/ADF platform or to a generic J2EE platform (i.e., IBM Websphere etc.) or to Microsoft .Net platform. .

The tools from SoftSol provides a reliable and cost effective upgrade to the newer versions of Oracle Forms and the ability to migrate to both a .NET and J2EE platforms.

Please Contact Us for further information on our Oracle Forms upgrade/migration services and tools.
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