SAGE Computing Services

New! 2008 AUSOUG Presentations

Title:	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
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	Oracle Open World 2008, AUSOUG WA and QLD National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	Creative Conditional Compilation
Abstract:	Oracle released a feature in 10g Release 2 they thought worthy of facilitating in previous versions via patch sets - so I thought it was worthy enough for a closer look. Conditional compilation isn't a foreign concept in the programming world, and for the developer aficionado it's a wonderful paradigm to explore. Conditional compilation was designed with the main intention of being able to create database version specific code. With the recent advent of 11g, developers can actually start adding 11g features to their 10g code today! However it provides the savvy PL/SQL developer to enhance their code in more ways than just gearing up for the next release… Dust of your software engineering hats and discover how to utilise conditional compilation to explore concepts such as latent self tracing code; latent assertions; and enhanced prototyping for your unit tests. This seminar will illustrate several examples of conditional compilation that will open your mind; ultimately benefit your users; and can be implemented as far back as 9.2!
Author:	Scott Wesley
Where:	AUSOUG WA and QLD National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	Oracle and Friends - Do they need to have a private chat?
Abstract:	Do you need secure HTTPS connectivity between your Oracle database and another server or service; perhaps a Web Service, a 3rd party LDAP directory or your own OID? Do you want HTTPS/SSL in a dev or test environment and don't want the hassle or to pay for a certificate you don't need? Ray Tindall will give you a quick layman's guide on HTTPS/SSL, Digital Certificates and Oracle Wallets. Ray will then walk through selected case studies that show how to apply, configure and use Oracle Wallets and Digital Certificates, including "Self- Signed" certificates, in practice. At the conclusion attendees will have been exposed to the rudimentary concepts and roles of HTTPS/SSL, Digital Certificates and Oracle Wallets in secure connectivity. Attendees will have a basic grasp of how to configure and use Oracle Wallets to handle SSL handshakes with an Oracle Server in varying scenarios.
Author:	Ray Tindall
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	The SQL and PL/SQL Results Cache – Is it a Dream Come True or Your Latest Nightmare
Abstract:	Did you know that Oracle is already putting RESULT_CACHE hints in their Apex code that will kick in as soon as you go to 11g. The Oracle 11g results cache transforms the way we can access data in an Oracle database. It presents an option for lightning fast access to data. If it is really the solution to all our performance problems we should be writing all our code in 10g to take advantage of it when we get to 11g. This presentation will describe the feature, demonstrate how we can write our code to take advantage of it, and discuss the realities of its benefits and limitations.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	How Ugly is that Apex Report?
Abstract:	Application Express has proved a very productive environment for building small to medium sized applications and has been adopted enthusiastically all round the world by developers. One of the common requirements from Apex is to produce more attractive report layouts. This presentation discusses the options for creating reports in Apex including the standard tabular reports provided by default, the use of report queries and layouts, and some options for creating more sophisticated reports using Oracle BI Publisher and other options. The presentation will also include techniques for mail merging from Apex.
Author:	Penny Cookson and Eddie Harris
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Oracle Application Express (APEX)

Title:	Application Express – A web development environment for the masses - and for serious application development
Abstract:	Application express has been enthusiastically adopted by many clients as a tool for the rapid development of database centric web applications. This presentation discusses some of the techniques used to develop Apex applications. It provides guidelines on best practices and includes the initial steps that should be considered when embarking on an Apex development. The presentation includes a look at development techniques for the 2.2 version, and a preview of some of the features that are available in version 3.0.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG VIC Branch Meeting 2007
Date:	March 2007

Title:	Application Express V3 New Features
Abstract:	In this short presentation, Penny will discuss the new features available in the V3 version of Application Express.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA Branch Meeting 2007
Date:	March 2007

Title:	Application Express – Just What the Doctor Ordered
Abstract:	Oracle Application Express is often considered to be a poor man's application development tool, for use by those sites that can't really resource a large scale J2EE development. This presentation will discuss some techniques which take Application Express to the next level, and demonstrate that it really can be used to develop highly functional applications without all the complexity and the steep learning curve associated with the J2EE world. The presentation will include the use of Apex with WebServices, creating responsive interfaces with Ajax, and flexible reporting. The message is that, if the application does what it is supposed to, users don't care about the underlying product, in fact most would not know the difference. J2EE snobs are welcome to attend.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA and VIC Conference 2007
Date:	November 2007

Title:	How Ugly is that Apex Report?
Abstract:	Application Express has proved a very productive environment for building small to medium sized applications and has been adopted enthusiastically all round the world by developers. One of the common requirements from Apex is to produce more attractive report layouts. This presentation discusses the options for creating reports in Apex including the standard tabular reports provided by default, the use of report queries and layouts, and some options for creating more sophisticated reports using Oracle BI Publisher and other options. The presentation will also include techniques for mail merging from Apex.
Author:	Penny Cookson and Eddie Harris
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	HTMLDB Development Techniques
Abstract:	HTMLDB has been enthuisiastically adopted by many clients as a tool for the rapid development of database centric web applications. This presentation discussses some of the techniques used to develop HTMLDB applications. It provides guidelines on best practices and includes the initial steps that should be considered when embarking on an HTMLDB development. The presentation inclus details of a case study in which HTMDB has been used to deliver mobile applications using a PDA.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA Conference 2005, AUSOUG Australian Masterclass Series 2006 (Tasmania)
Date:	November 2005, June 2005

Title:	HTMLDB Minilesson
Abstract:	An introduction to development using Oracle's HTMLDB development tool.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	WA Branch Meeting 2004
Date:	October 2004

Title:	Oracle Application Express workshop
Abstract:	Oracle Application Express (previously known as HTMLDB) provides a rapid application development environment for small to medium web applications. It has been successfully adopted by many organisations since it first appeared with Oracle 10g, and has been used to build Oracle’s new Metalink site. This workshop will provide hands on experience of the development of an application using the product.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG VIC & WA Conference 2006, NZOUG Conference 2007
Date:	November 2006, February 2007

Oracle Application Server (OAS)

Title:	Oracle Application Server 10.1.3 for JDeveloper Beginners
Abstract:	So you've built your first JDeveloper web application using the 1001 Oracle examples. You're boss is impressed. "Wow, that's one of the best web-pages I've ever seen Jones" (you're name is Jones isn't it?). And with a wave of the hand as your boss walks away, you hear the words "deploy it". Welcome to the world of J2EE application servers and Oracle's latest flagship Oracle Application Server 10.1.3.
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG Foresight Magazine 2006
Date:	February 2006

Title:	The DBAs' Realm: Deployment of JDev ADF applications to OC4J
Abstract:	JDeveloper ADF applications are becoming all the rage in Oracle development circles, just look at EBS v12 (Forms is dead! Long live Forms! Forms is dead!). But developing an ADF application is different from deploying it for production purposes on OC4J under OAS, and the task moves from the realms of the developer to that of the DBA (the buck has to stop somewhere). DBAs need to have an understanding of how and what JDeveloper does when deploying to the OC4J container with OAS, and what the issues are, rather than leaving it in the hands of those pesky developers.
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG WA Monthly Meeting 2006
Date:	2006

Oracle Internet Directory (OID)

Title:	Active Directory Integration - OID & AD in Harmony
Abstract:	A case study of the integration of Oracle 10g Application Server, Oracle Internet Directory (OID) with Windows Active Directory (AD). Is it really possible? Learn by experience! We have a behind the scenes look at the experiences of an organisation that went the whole hog. Synchronisation of their User Identities between OID and AD. Then External Authentication; delegating authentication to the Microsoft Active Directory. Finally, implementing Windows Native Authentication; the magic automatic login, a real SSO experience. Imagine: user Jo Doe, logs onto their network workstation, their Web Browser opens on startup, the homepage is their personal Portal Page and they are greeted with "Welcome to Portal Jo".
Author:	Ray Tindall
Where:	AUSOUG WA & Vic Conference 2006
Date:	November 2006

Oracle JDeveloper

Title:	A tool with many faces - splitting a JDeveloper ADF Faces faces-config.xml file
Abstract:	A JDeveloper ADF Faces application utilising the JavaServer Faces (JSF) specification will be heavily dependent on it's faces-config.xml file. This file defines all entries for the JSF managed beans, navigation and other elements used in your JSF application. The file can quickly become large and cumbersome in a medium to large application and a particular bottleneck as multiple developers attempt to modify it. Is it possible to split this file into logical parts to avoid these limitations?
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	IOUC Select Magazine (not available online)
Date:	June 2007

Title:	Confessions of a JDeveloper Novice
Abstract:	The purpose of this article is to provide some advice and direction to developers who are wondering where and how to get started when it comes to J2EE applications with the Oracle product JDeveloper. The article discusses an initial approach and contains some useful resources.
Author:	Eddie Harris
Where:	AUSOUG Foresight Magazine 2004
Date:	August 2004

Title:	Integrating the Oracle Designer Legacy Table API with Oracle JDeveloper 11g ADF Business Components
Abstract:	Oracle Designer is now firmly in maintenance mode, but it is still common to encounter legacy database schemas that have Designer's fingerprints all over them, with generated Table APIs and good old cg_ref_codes. Such constructs may be unfamiliar to the newer Oracle developers in the crowd, but this approach was the cutting edge at one time. Fortunately, with Oracle JDeveloper 11g's various enhancements to Application Development Framework Business Components (ADF BC), such legacy code needn't be ignored or replaced. By embracing ADF BC's inherent support for calling database PL/SQL, you can give new life to your legacy Oracle Designer database systems. This article specifically investigates integrating the Oracle Designer Table API with Oracle JDeveloper 11g (in Technical Preview 2 at the time of this writing).
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	Oracle Technology Network (OTN) website
Date:	October 2007

Title:	Old Forms programmers never die, they just switch to JDeveloper
Abstract:	With the release of ADF Faces in JDeveloper 10.1.3, Oracle developers finally have a productive, component based, framework for developing Java applications. This presentation covers a "mind map" between traditional Oracle Forms and PL/SQL techniques and development with ADF faces. This is designed to assist Forms developers and those who are new to JDeveloper in making the transition. The presentation is then followed by a peek inside JDeveloper ADF Faces with a more detailed look at the ADF technologies available in JDeveloper, as well as a few tips on some of the best approaches for a Forms or Designer developer to get started and use the product.
Author:	Penny Cookson, Ray Tindall & Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG VIC & WA Conference 2006, NZOUG Conference 2007
Date:	November 2006, February 2007

Oracle PL/SQL

Title:	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
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	Oracle Open World 2008, AUSOUG WA and QLD National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	Be a Bulk Binding Baron
Abstract:	Developers - If you are not using Bulk Binds you are not writing PL/SQL efficiently! Learn how to keep up with recent coding techniques and save your PL/SQL career at our Branch Meeting Bulk binding has been around for a long time, yet there are sites out there that don't utilise this feature to its full extent, if at all. Every release of Oracle improves on this functionality so obviously it's a topic worthy of consistent awareness. In PL/SQL and SQL, there are a few nifty features related to bulk binding you may not have seen - it's not all about BULK COLLECT. Whether you're on 8i, 11g or anything in between, you'll benefit from the concepts described in this seminar and become a Bulk Binding Baron!
Author:	Scott Wesley
Where:	AUSOUG WA Branch Meeting 2008
Date:	May 2008

Title:	Creative Conditional Compilation
Abstract:	Oracle released a feature in 10g Release 2 they thought worthy of facilitating in previous versions via patch sets - so I thought it was worthy enough for a closer look. Conditional compilation isn't a foreign concept in the programming world, and for the developer aficionado it's a wonderful paradigm to explore. Conditional compilation was designed with the main intention of being able to create database version specific code. With the recent advent of 11g, developers can actually start adding 11g features to their 10g code today! However it provides the savvy PL/SQL developer to enhance their code in more ways than just gearing up for the next release… Dust of your software engineering hats and discover how to utilise conditional compilation to explore concepts such as latent self tracing code; latent assertions; and enhanced prototyping for your unit tests. This seminar will illustrate several examples of conditional compilation that will open your mind; ultimately benefit your users; and can be implemented as far back as 9.2!
Author:	Scott Wesley
Where:	AUSOUG WA and QLD National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Title:	The SQL and PL/SQL Results Cache – Is it a Dream Come True or Your Latest Nightmare
Abstract:	Did you know that Oracle is already putting RESULT_CACHE hints in their Apex code that will kick in as soon as you go to 11g. The Oracle 11g results cache transforms the way we can access data in an Oracle database. It presents an option for lightning fast access to data. If it is really the solution to all our performance problems we should be writing all our code in 10g to take advantage of it when we get to 11g. This presentation will describe the feature, demonstrate how we can write our code to take advantage of it, and discuss the realities of its benefits and limitations.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Oracle Portal

Title:	Accessing the Repository
Abstract:	There are a number of reasons why it may be necessary to access the underlying Oracle Portal repository tables. While updating the repository directly is not supported, queries on the repository can be used for creating dynamic portlets. This article provides information on the structure of some of the most useful Oracle Portal tables, and their relationships. It contains some simple examples of using the portal tables to create dynamic portlets..
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Foresight Magazine 2005
Date:	September 2005

Title:	Creating Standard Page Hierarchies in Portal
Abstract:	The technique described in this article provides a series of simple steps for creating multiple page groups with the same page hierarchy in Oracle Portal.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Foresight Magazine 2005
Date:	April 2005

Title:	Creating Simple Applications with Portal Components
Abstract:	A short article describing how Oracle Portal can be used to build small data centric applications.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Foresight Magazine 2004
Date:	August 2004

Title:	Navigating the Portal
Abstract:	The benefits of publishing your organisation’s information in a corporate portal are not achieved unless the portal navigation mechanism is intuitive and easy to maintain. This article describes a dynamic method for providing portal navigation.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Foresight Magazine 2004
Date:	May 2004

Title:	Oracle Portal Case Studies
Abstract:	The presentation describes a number of portal developments performed by Sage Computing Services. Each case study commences with a set of client requirements and proceeds to describe how the features of the product were used to support those requirements
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	Oracle Openworld Melbourne 2004, AUSOUG Conference WA 2004
Date:	June 2004, November 2004

Title:	Oracle Portal Case Studies
Abstract:	The presentation describes a number of portal developments performed by Sage Computing Services. Each case study commences with a set of client requirements and proceeds to describe how the features of the product were used to support those requirements
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	Oracle Openworld Melbourne 2004, AUSOUG Conference WA 2004
Date:	June 2004, November 2004

Title:	Portal Wizardry - Adapt, Alter and Augment Portal Behaviour and Features
Abstract:	Portal Developers - Do you find Portal just a bit too rigid; a bit inflexible? Learn some "think outside the box" techniques that can be used to find ways to adapt, alter and augment sometimes seemingly inflexible Portal behaviours and components. Look for and make the most of Open Source and Freeware component solutions that can be integrated with your Oracle Portal environment and developments. Do you need some default Portal behaviour to do something slightly different or slightly more? During various Portal site builds we have come across several situations where we just needed that little bit different, or little bit more only to find that it was not, "in the box". Some specific real world case examples to be explored may include: Integrating a 3rd party "open source" wysiwyg html editor for Portal text items Generating an explorer style interactive Sitemap from the Portal repository Augmenting or altering Portal built-ins (eg, Search Portlet forms & behaviour)
Author:	Ray Tindall
Where:	AUSOUG WA Branch Meeting 2008
Date:	May 2008

Oracle RDBMS

Title:	Oracle 10g New Features for Developers
Abstract:	Many of the new features in Oracle 10g are targeted towards making a DBA's life easier. This presentation describes what's in the version for developers.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	Tasmanian Branch Meeting, WA AUSOUG Conference 2004
Date:	February 2006, November 2004

Title:	The SQL and PL/SQL Results Cache – Is it a Dream Come True or Your Latest Nightmare
Abstract:	Did you know that Oracle is already putting RESULT_CACHE hints in their Apex code that will kick in as soon as you go to 11g. The Oracle 11g results cache transforms the way we can access data in an Oracle database. It presents an option for lightning fast access to data. If it is really the solution to all our performance problems we should be writing all our code in 10g to take advantage of it when we get to 11g. This presentation will describe the feature, demonstrate how we can write our code to take advantage of it, and discuss the realities of its benefits and limitations.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Oracle Security

Title:	Implementing a Virtual Private Database in Oracle 10g
Abstract:	Business requirements, Australian legislation and web based applications have changed the security requirements on databases holding private data. Oracle introduced the Virtual Private Database (VPD) to address these needs, implementing database policies to restrict rows and columns retrieved via SQL, and in turn removing the need for public synonyms, roles and user accounts. Chris Muir discusses how to implement VPD features in Oracle 10g to satisfy contemporary database security needs..
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG WA Branch Meeting 2005
Date:	October 2005

Title:	Oracle and Friends - Do they need to have a private chat?
Abstract:	Do you need secure HTTPS connectivity between your Oracle database and another server or service; perhaps a Web Service, a 3rd party LDAP directory or your own OID? Do you want HTTPS/SSL in a dev or test environment and don't want the hassle or to pay for a certificate you don't need? Ray Tindall will give you a quick layman's guide on HTTPS/SSL, Digital Certificates and Oracle Wallets. Ray will then walk through selected case studies that show how to apply, configure and use Oracle Wallets and Digital Certificates, including "Self- Signed" certificates, in practice. At the conclusion attendees will have been exposed to the rudimentary concepts and roles of HTTPS/SSL, Digital Certificates and Oracle Wallets in secure connectivity. Attendees will have a basic grasp of how to configure and use Oracle Wallets to handle SSL handshakes with an Oracle Server in varying scenarios.
Author:	Ray Tindall
Where:	AUSOUG WA National Conference 2008
Date:	September 2008

Oracle SQL Developer

Title:	Oracle SQL Developer Workshop
Abstract:	Oracle recently announced the future obsolescence of SQL*Plus GUI version. We are being encouraged to switch to using the new free SQL Developer GUI tool. This tool not only provides SQL access to the database for seasoned developers, but also allows easier access for less technical users. This presentation gave attendees hands on experience of using the SQL Developer product. The session included basic SQL syntax training so that End Users can utilise the product to access their data. The workshop included: Overview of the product: basic interface, where to find help, creating a connection Browsing the database Entering and running SQL , basic SELECT, WHERE clauses, JOINS, aggregates Creating and changing database objects
Author:	Kate Marshall and Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG WA and Vic Conference 2006
Date:	November 2006

Oracle Tuning

Title:	Aspects of 10g Tuning
Abstract:	The presentation focuses on the facilities available in Oracle 10g for SQL and database tuning, the identification of database problems using wait events, and some common configuration problems.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	NZ Masterclass series 2006
Date:	November 2006

Title:	How Can I tune it When I Can't Change the Code?
Abstract:	Resolving performance problems is not too difficult when you can access and change the offending code. Tuning packaged applications however requires a different set of skills and techniques. This presentation covers methods of identifying problems in packaged applications, and discusses some tuning techniques that can be used in situations where you can’t change the code. Topics include Initialisation Parameters, Stored Outlines, and SQL*Profiles.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG VIC & WA Conference 2006
Date:	November 2006

Title:	Lost without a trace
Abstract:	This presentation, as suggested by the particularly lame title, will describe the tracing techniques available in Oracle 10g. Life was very easy when each user had a persistent session to the database and we could trace the activity for that session. Tracing the source of database activity in a multi tier architecture, with shared sessions is more complex. The presentation will include techniques for tracing database activity in these multi tier applications. It will provide recommendations on writing applications in such a way that tracing can be easily performed.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA Conference 2005
Date:	November 2005

Title:	New Tuning Features in Oracle 11g – How to make your database as boring as possible
Abstract:	One of the key problems that have haunted Oracle sites since the introduction of the cost based optimiser is the ability to provide a stable level of performance over time. The very responsiveness of the CBO to factors such as changes in statistics and initialisation parameters can lead to sudden changes in performance levels. Oracle 11g is set to introduce a number of features that will assist the DBA in providing a stable environment for mission critical applications. Excitement is for out of work time, (and for developers). The aim of most database administrators is to have as boring a working life as possible. Oracle 11g may help us achieve those aims. This presentation discusses some of those features including: Capture and replay of workload Automatic SGA tuning Managing and fixing plans The 11g Automatic Tuning Advisor
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA and VIC Conference 2007
Date:	November 2007

Title:	Performance Tuning Key Areas in 10g Part 1
Abstract:	The session provides a detailed discussion of the facilities available in Oracle 10g for database tuning, the identification of database problems using wait events, and some common configuration problems.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Australian Masterclass Series 2005
Date:	June 2005

Title:	Performance Tuning Key Areas in 10g Part 2
Abstract:	Part 2 of the database tuning presentation.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Australian Masterclass Series 2005
Date:	June 2005

Title:	SQL Optimisation
Abstract:	The presentation focuses on understanding the Oracle optimizer, identifying what it does well, and not so well, and looking at how we can identify and resolve SQL tuning problems.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG Australian Masterclass Series 2005
Date:	June 2005

Title:	Whose fault is it? - a review of application tuning problems
Abstract:	When a site experiences performance problems the initial response is often "Who can we blame?" Targets may include developers, database administrators or software vendors. This paper considers a number of real world tuning problems and discusses how to identify what the source really is, and how to fix it. The presentation covers features provided in Oracle 10g which assist in the tuning process. The aim is for attendees to be in a position to avoid common tuning problems, and to provide information to assist them to identify the cause of performance issues at their site.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	Oracle Openworld San Francisco 2005
Date:	November 2005

Oracle XML DB

Title:	Oracle XML DB - What's in it for me?
Abstract:	XML DB provides technologies to allow XML documents to be stored in the Oracle database and accessed in a structured manner, and for the data to be queried updated and transformed using SQL constructs and standards based technologies. The presentation focuses on the facilities available in Oracle 10g for the storage and retrieval of XML documents. It includes demonstrations of using a variety of methods to access the XML data.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	NZ Masterclass series 2006
Date:	November 2006

Oracle Development

Title:	Oracle Development Tools Review
Abstract:	Probably the most keenly debated, and often, heatedly discussed topic amongst Oracle's development community is: "Which development tool is best?" This article discusses the pros and cons of Oracle Application Express, JDeveloper and traditional Oracle Forms.
Author:	Penny Cookson and Chris Muir in conjunction with Wilfred van Deijl and John Stegeman
Where:	IOUG Select Magazine, UKOUG Scene Magazine (not available online)
Date:	Q1/Q2 2008

Java

Title:	All you (ever) needed to know about Java
Abstract:	This is a mini-lesson on Java concepts and syntax. The presentation is aimed at PL/SQL developers and DBAs who need to know sufficient Java to build ADF Business Component and ADF Faces applications, or Java routines within the Oracle database, as well as managers looking for high level concepts around Object-Oriented and Java programming. The workshop provides an intensive introduction to Java and is normally part of SAGE Computing Service's JDeveloper 5-day workshop. Previous attendees have admitted they learnt more about Java in this workshop, than in all their previous struggles to come to terms with the language.
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG WA Conference 2006, NZOUG Conference 2007, AUSOUG SA Monthly Meeting 2007
Date:	November 2006, February 2007, August 2007

General

Title:	Common Stuff-Ups, and How to Avoid Them
Abstract:	A stuff-up can be considered to be any decision or action you take that has a negative impact on a project. Over a twenty year career in the Oracle world Penny has seen significant numbers of stuff-ups in IT projects (and may admit to making some herself). These range from approaches taken to managing projects to detailed technical mistakes. The scary thing about watching the industry over this period of time is the frequency with which the same stuff-ups occur. This presentation includes descriptions of some of these patterns of mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.
Author:	Penny Cookson
Where:	AUSOUG WA Branch Meeting 2007
Date:	July 2007

Title:	Take a load off! Load testing your Oracle Apex or JDeveloper web applications
Abstract:	Geeeez, after demanding you unit test, system test, black box test, white box test, test-test-test everything, your manager is now demanding you load test your brand spanking new Oracle web application. How on earth can you do this? This technical presentation will explain the concepts behind preparing for load testing, the Http protocol's request/response model, and live demonstrations using Oracle's Http Analyzer and Apache's JMeter to stress test your Oracle web application. The presentation is suitable for anybody, be it DBAs or developers, who are concerned about the performance of any web based application, possibly an Apex or JDeveloper or 3rd party web application. Knowledge of Apex or JDeveloper is not mandatory for this presentation and they will not be covered in any depth.
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	AUSOUG WA and VIC Conference 2007, Oracle Open World Unconference 2007
Date:	November 2007

Title:	Where do we go from here?
Abstract:	Unfortunately many IT professionals learn the capabilities of various technologies at the beginning of their careers and then continue to operate under the same set of constraints for the remainder of their working lives. This presentation discusses some of the exciting new directions in the Oracle technology suite and how best to take advantage of them. It provides guidance on which tools are best suited to your organisation’s application requirements and skill set.
Author:	Chris Muir
Where:	Melbourne New Horizons 2007
Date:	February 2007