What’s OAUG making at the “Knowledge Factory”?
I recently wrote about a post by Infoworld blogger Sean McCown, who argued that the real difference between Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle is the accessible community that Microsoft has built for its users.
But would a newly released tool from the Oracle Applications Users Group (OAUG) change McCown’s mind about a supposed lack of community resources for Oracle users?
On April 16, OAUG announced the launch of its Knowledge Factory– “a centralized, dynamic platform for user-submitted content that provides a comprehensive knowledge-sharing resource for the organization’s members,” according to the press release.
The web-based forum is completely community-driven and allows its members to discuss and exchange advice on Oracle-related topics, search a library of articles and submit their own articles, as well. Some of the Knowledge Factory’s other features include a blog and discussion area, enhanced member profiles and an OAUG Conference Paper Database.
We have a similar community-driven forum here at TechTarget called the IT Knowledge Exchange (ITKE). It’s a place where you and your peers can ask and answer questions, get advice and read blogs written by other industry experts. You can also browse information by topic; for example, check out the Oracle-related tags found here.
Where do you go for Oracle information and advice from peers? (If you go anywhere at all?) Do you find community-driven environments like the OAUG’s Knowledge Factory useful? And, if you have used this forum already, what have your experiences been like?
Posted: May 7th, 2008 under Uncategorized, Oracle database administration, Oracle development, Managing an Oracle shop, Oracle applications.
4 Comments »
maybe the “great support community”, which is also widely available from LostDOS or M$-Off simply steams from the fact that M$es product are generally [bad] and users have to bound to keep [it] going, whereas MetaLink provides answers & information right from the source, not talking of the documentation that can be downloaded (freely) from OTN.
Comment by c.bucher — May 7, 2008 @ 12:32 pm
I have used many community-driven sites/products and what I have found with the Knowledge Factory by OAUG is the simplicity and all encompassing tools. What I have also found with the Knowledge Factory is the built-in user community access to the entire OAUG user membership. This I found very useful considering the content and questions on this community site are all driven around Oracle software. I will continue to post and respond on the Knowledge Factory and I would encourage other to do so as well.
Comment by Lorne Kaufman — May 7, 2008 @ 10:16 pm
In an era of knowledge workers, Knowledge Factory has provided the ideal platform for sharing global Oracle knowledgebase. Oracle’s online support portal - Metalink - is by far more superior than any of its enterprise applications competitors. Knowledge Factory provides a user experience a dimension beyond Metalink through interactive discussions, blog posts and comments. In a few short weeks, Knowledge Factory has become a daily go-to site for Oracle professionals. May I recommend the following for all Oracle practioners - Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > General Tab > Homepage > Address> Enter the following in the address field: http://www.kf.oaug.org > OK
Comment by Mohan Dutt — May 8, 2008 @ 2:02 am
This is interesting as a an Oracle DBA. As I was not aware that this existed. Looks like I need to spend more time perusing valuable sites such as these.
Thanks!
Comment by Neil — May 14, 2008 @ 8:25 am