Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1. Getting Started with Fusion
Applications
Oracle Fusion Applications
(
OFA
) is an exciting entrant in the
Enterprise Re-
source Planning
(
ERP
) application arena. It is based on leading practices leveraged
from Oracle's existing ERP suites, namely Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle
PeopleSoft, and Siebel. However, it fundamentally changes the architecture and ap-
proach for end-to-end ERP functionality.
To state that Oracle Fusion Applications is unique is an understatement. The applic-
ation has been architected differently from any prior ERP application. It has been de-
veloped using industry-leading platforms that seamlessly work together. It can be de-
ployed in multiple models, from on-premise to cloud, and various hybrid options in
between.
This topic will progressively explain each new feature of Oracle Fusion Applications. It
will provide a detailed explanation of what each feature does, and how to configure it.
Best practices are specified, where there are multiple implementation options to help
the reader make an informed decision.
In this introductory section, we will put the uniqueness of Oracle Fusion Applications
in context by looking at the evolution of ERP applications. We will look at the architec-
ture and deployment models for Oracle Fusion Applications. We will then review the
technology platforms on which Oracle Fusion Applications is built.
Changing the application's ecosystem
Oracle Fusion Applications and the business functionalities that it provides have
evolved. New business processes have usually been the trigger for driving change in
systems and applications. However, in recent years, technology has opened up novel
approaches to perform business processes, and in some cases, opened up entirely
new business domains (for example, Cloud or Elastic computings).
There is a healthy history of business needs and technology advances complement-
ing each other. However, within the age of computers, technology has led to business
innovation. Business users have benefited from the computing capability and flexibil-
