Oracle Cloud Background
Why was Oracle Cloud selected?
When we looked at the options for replacement solutions available, we were looking for solutions that were:
- In the cloud to eliminate and reduce need for hardware and programming
- Capable of integration between the solutions to eliminate duplication of effort and increase efficiency
- Secure
- Includes business processes built on best practice
- Offers electronic workflow and mobile capabilities
- Built on modern platform
How is the Oracle Cloud better than what we use now?
It is built on modern standards based technology backed by Oracle. Oracle is an industry leader in database technology and technology solutions. Security, audit, data integrity, and communication standards have changed a lot since the time our current system was originally designed. The new system will allow us to correct deficiencies in current system as well as put us on a firm foundation as we move forward.
How did we choose Oracle Cloud?
A great result takes great leadership and a knowledgeable team. This is why we’ve worked hard to identify those on campus who had the most familiarity with our current system and the technical knowledge necessary to help guide our discussion. The ERP Project Team (Angela Neria, Barbara Herbert, Michele Sexton, Barbara Winter, and Jim Hughes) directed the work that was needed for the selection process over the course of the last 2 years. Because the new ERP system will impact almost everyone on campus, two stakeholder groups – Department Stakeholders and Campus Stakeholders provided guidance and insight for the Project Team. The Department Stakeholders were the staff of HRS, Budget, Business Office, Cashier’s, Purchasing and Information Technology Services who worked with the core IBM system on a daily (and hourly) basis. They served as Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) for the project. Campus Stakeholders was a group of 36 individuals across the campus who were selected to help with the project. These individuals had various levels of knowledge, experience and expertise in all of the areas of our current administrative system. Some of the members wear department head hats. Others are timekeepers and keepers of departmental budgets. Every Senate, including SGA and Graduate Council, and every division was represented in this group. And most members were also employees who use our current system in one way or another. In addition, the Project Team asked for input from the campus at large as selection milestones were reached. We offered several opportunities for feedback from campus through an open forum, a website with an email feedback link, and product demonstrations where feedback rubrics were made available to all attendees.
A rubric of required and desired product features was developed with stakeholder input. This rubric became part of the Request for Proposal (RFP) and was used to evaluate and rank each product.
Where can I learn more about Oracle Cloud?
To learn more about the Oracle Cloud product visit: cloud.oracle.com/home