Infosys-Oracle Blog

It is about 60% Java based, compared to its predecessor, Release 11i, which is only 40% Java based. Release 12 already has incorporated some of the Fusion Middleware products that are available today. Unlike Release 11i, Release 12 makes extensive use of XML.

There are various packs/flavors of the applications surrounding the existing core ERP functionality that will be released. At Infosys, we are already seeing the early version of AIA-Foundation packs that have been released that are incorporating the pre-packaged canonicals. Oracle’s strategy is to slowly incorporate the new generation technology into their applications and hence there would not be a big bang major release of Fusion Applications

Also, the functionality of ERP would be released in phases and in terms of pillars like CRM pillar, SCM pillar, etc. so with this kind of functionality being rolled out, we should assume that the stabilized version of complete fusion applications is 4-5 years from now.

Recommendations for R12 upgrade and preparing for Fusion
R12 upgrades can be approached in many ways, each with its own set of opportunities and benefits. A typical technology upgrade of ERP Application requires:

• Upgrade of the Infrastructure. The R12 upgrade process involves replacing 11i Tech stack (9iAS & 806) to Fusion Middleware (10g Application Server)
• Upgrade the integration strategy from point-to-point to Service-Oriented Architecture
• Upgrade the Reporting Strategy by bringing together stovepipe applications by ERP revitalization and creating a virtual composite application.
• Make better business decisions with Oracle Business Intelligence Applications and create executive dashboard for real-time business activity monitoring

Upgrade to R12 as the point from where you want to jump to Fusion Applications.

Evaluate and document the customizations. Convert customizations to Fusion technology-based solutions where decommission is not possible. As an example, since we know that Workflow will be replaced by BPEL for the Fusion Applications, now is the time to learn BPEL. Any existing workflow customizations – or new ones should be written using BPEL.

Start Leveraging available Fusion Tools. Fusion is already here! Fusion tools that can be used with the E-Business Suite include XML (BI) Publisher, the SOA Suite and Web Center, and Business Intelligence tools like OBIEE or DBI and Discoverer 10g.

Please contact Rizwan_mk@infosys.com or Malay Kumar if you need any help to discuss R12 upgrade strategy using Oracle Fusion.