How to become an Oracle Applications DBA Oracle Database Tips by Donald Burleson

An Oracle Applications DBA is very different from a regular Oracle database administrator and requires specialized skills in business administration and Oracle application server architectures.  The Oracle Applications DBA job role is less compartmentalized than a traditional Oracle DBA and the Oracle Applications DBA must also have skills in these areas:

• Database Design - Many shops require customized functional extensions and reporting data marts and the Oracle Applications DBA must have outstanding Database design skills.
   
• Oracle Application Server - The Oracle Applications DBA must understand the internals of the Oracle concurrent manager and understand how to monitor and tune Oracle Applications.
   
• Functional Expertise - Many shops requires a business degree and a general understanding of the Oracle Applications module.  For example, accountants are widely used to support Oracle eBusiness Suite (Oracle Financials), and accountants with an IT background are easily trained in Oracle Applications DBA support.

For background on Oracle DBA job duties, see these related pages:

• How to become an Oracle DBA
• Oracle job interview questions
• How to become an Oracle Guru
• Oracle Job requirements at BC

Oracle Applications DBA tasks (Oracle Financials, Oracle eBusiness Suite) is a complex framework of modules that performs basic business administration and the DBA must have a fundamental understanding of the business processes. 

Win your Oracle Dream Job! Colleges don't teach the expert tips and secrets for getting an Oracle job and acing your Oracle job interview with The Oracle Job Interview Handbook.  Order directly from Rampant and save 30%.     Oracle Applications DBA modules There are over 130 Oracle Applications Modules offered with Oracle Applications and the Oracle Applications DBA must have an understanding of the functional and internal machinations of the Oracle Applications software.  For example, Oracle EBusiness Suite (Oracle Financials) applications DBA staff must understand basic cost and financial accounting, especially in cases where they create reporting databases and assist in expanding the functionality for specialized accounting.  Many of these Oracle Financials DBA's are certified public accountants (CPA). Oracle Applications DBA background Because most Oracle Applications databases support mission critical systems, a successful Oracle Applications DBA must have these skills: Outstanding Communications Skills - Oracle Applications DBA's must interface with the end-user community and they must have college-level communications skills, being able to communicate clearly, both orally and with written communications.   Business Degree - Most successful Oracle Applications DBA staff have advanced degrees in business administration, almost al from AACSB accredited collegiate business schools.  Graduates of sub-optimal business schools will have very difficult time obtaining a job in Oracle Applications administration, and a firm understanding of business processes is essential to perform many of the duties of the Oracle Applications DBA job role.   DBA skills - Most Oracle Applications DBA staff have at least five years of full-time progressive DBA experience, and they sometimes have Oracle certifications such as OCP and OCM. The Oracle Applications DBA must also have a good understanding of related technologies, especially Java (JDeveloper, J2EE, Apache) and Oracle Application Server. Oracle Applications DBA Resources There are many resources for the Oracle Applications DBA, including Oracle Applications DBA books and training: Oracle 11i Applications DBA training Class Oracle Application Server training course Oracle Application Server 10g Administration Handbook Oracle Applications Support Services Oracle Applications Tips   If you like Oracle tuning, you may enjoy the new book "Oracle Tuning: The Definitive Reference", over 900 pages of BC's favorite tuning tips & scripts.  You can buy it direct from the publisher for 30%-off and get instant access to the code depot of Oracle tuning scripts.