2. Migrating Oracle Forms Using Oracle Application Express
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3. Review Oracle Forms Skip
Overview of the major APEX Components – What is included in the tool at a high level
Review

4. Oracle Forms Strengths Very stable product (Been around since 80s)
Based on SQL & PL/SQL
Still being developed (Oracle Forms 12c)
Continues to be supported (Currently Premier Support Oct 2020)
Best suited for heavy-duty, back-off applications
Integration with desktop tools
Very performant way to maintain Oracle data
Highly productive for “power users”

5. Oracle Forms Weaknesses
Issues with browser support (can utilize Java Web Start)
Not available on mobile devices
Business logic often “hidden” inside trigger logic
Difficult to find skilled Oracle Forms developers
New developers not interested in learning Oracle Forms
For older Forms applications
Often built non-intuitive runtime user experience (Query page / results page / edit page)
Takes significant time for end users to become highly productive

6. Oracle Forms Prognosis No No Redevelop Forms with new apps in ??? Yes
Are you on a supported version?
Can you easily upgrade? No No
Redevelop Forms
with new apps in ???
Yes
Yes
Is Forms meeting all requirements?
Are they net new requirements? No No
Yes
Yes
Stay on Oracle Forms
Keep Oracle Forms +
Build new apps in ???

7. Oracle Forms Why upgrade Oracle Forms?
Take advantage of new features and enhancements.
Take advantage of performance and scalability improvements.
Take advantage of easier integration with other products/technologies.
Ensure compatibility with newer Oracle products.
Ensure the highest level of security.
Leverage a common application server (i.e. WLS).
Obtain the latest patch sets.
Take advantage of new platform certifications.
Ensure access to uninterrupted support.

8. Oracle Forms Why move off Oracle Forms? Look and feel User Experience
Non-intuitive
Accessibility
Responsiveness
Back-office > Company-wide
External requirements (Partners / Customers)
Mobile
Net new business
Based on older Forms apps which have not been updated

9. Skip
Oracle Forms
Migration

10. Oracle Forms Migration
Challenges
Availability of Oracle Forms developers
Availability of System Matter Experts (SMEs)
Non-trivial = Significant effort and resources
Ensuring new application implements all business rules
Agreeing on new application look and feel
Implementing new process flows
Managing scope creep
Getting buy-in from existing “power-users”
Training end users (new and old)

11. Oracle Forms Migration
Strategy
Push as much business logic into the Database as possible
Identify a suitable functional section for the Proof-of-Concept
Secure SMEs for functional input and direction
Train developers in the new technology
DO NOT try and replicate Oracle Forms UI or UX
Generally, bend the requirements, not the tool
Ensure the new apps are modern Web apps – simple, intuitive, easy to use
Ensure the apps work on any device – Desktop, tablet, smartphone

12. Oracle Forms Migration
Advantages of Migrating to Application Express
Build applications using SQL & PL/SQL
Can utilize all existing Database objects
Easy to train existing Oracle Forms developers
Can readily co-exist with Oracle Forms applications
Incorporates modern Web 2.0 capabilities
Easy to customize theme / templates to meet required look and feel
Responsive, including “mobile-first” if required
Accessibility
Can readily define client-side user interactivity
Flexibility in platform for development / deployment

13. Oracle Forms Migration
Migration Steps using Application Express
Install Application Express into the Database
Define APEX Workspace against appropriate schema(s)
Convert FMBs, MMBs, etc to XML
Load XML files into APEX Migration Project
Annotate important business logic in APEX Migration Project
Create APEX application(s) using Create App Wizard
Enhance APEX applications
Test APEX applications
Train end users
Roll-out applications

14. Oracle Forms Migration
Converting Oracle Forms source to XML
Run Forms2XML Utility
Create APEX Project
Upload Source Files
Forms2XML Utility
Available with Forms 9i and above
May covert Forms 4.x & 6i
If conversion fails may need to upgrade Forms first.

15. Oracle APEX Migration Project
Migration Project IS
Ability to upload Oracle Forms modules (in XML)
Easy way to browse Forms application logic
Convenient tool for annotating / tracking logic required in APEX application(s)
Migration Project IS NOT
A code generator (this functionality removed in APEX 5.1)

16. Oracle APEX Useful Links
Collateral, Resources and Hosted Services
Hosted evaluation site
Oracle Technology Network
APEX Community
Oracle Learning Library
APEX Cloud Service
These are the primary URLs you need to get more information on Oracle Application Express!