When companies want to implement powerful software, they need to implement powerful hardware. That’s a rule that will probably never change—so companies have come to accept it. What they’re still wrestling with is the fact that there needs to be a connection between the server and the hard disk.

1. The Five Characteristics
of a Good Oracle Exadata
Implementation Partner
INTRODUCTION: WHY ORACLE EXADATA?
When companies want to implement powerful software, they need to implement powerful hardware. That’s a rule that will
probably never change—so companies have come to accept it.
What they’re still wrestling with is the fact that there needs to be a connection between the server and the hard disk.
Companies such as 3Com, Cisco, and Brocade have traditionally filled this niche by providing a bus that connects these two
components. Unfortunately, this means that companies implementing new software often must deal with three different
vendors.
Oracle addressed this problem with its 2008 release of Oracle Exadata, which offers customers the hard drive, software, and
bus in one box—and the peace of mind that comes from using a single solution delivered by a single vendor, with
components that are guaranteed to work in harmony.
Oracle Exadata is a remarkably heterogeneous black-box application for interfacing with virtually any business platform—not
just Oracle E-Business Suite. If you have enormous volumes of stored data and need to query it quickly, Exadata can be a
game-changer. And as many customers are finding out, Exadata can deliver a steady long-term return on your initial
investment. In fact, Teradata’s largest Asian customer, 11st, recently replaced 36 Teradata racks with just three Exadata
racks. They’re achieving eight times faster querying performance while consuming just one-tenth the energy.
How does 10 times faster performance at one-tenth the cost sound? These are benefits any corporation could achieve with
Oracle Exadata. But one caveat: if you choose Oracle Exadata, you may be in for a complex migration process. Projects like
these require the assistance of a trustworthy partner.

2. FINDING YOUR IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER
What should you be looking for in an Oracle Exadata implementation partner? Here are five characteristics.
1 - First-hand knowledge of the Oracle architecture. Look for a consulting partner that can set up a realistic
Many IT consulting firms can accurately make the proof of concept (POC). Ideally, you’ll use this POC to
claim that they’re knowledgeable about—and even test performance on your most difficult queries—the
certified in—Oracle technology. But few firms were ones that are taking two or three hours to complete on
launched by former Oracle executives who were your current system. That’s the true test of what Oracle
instrumental in the planning, design, and building of Exadata can do for you.
Oracle’s technology. When you work with a firm that
can offer you the services of these types of experts, you 4 - Awareness that your migration will not be a
won’t just end up with an Oracle Exadata implementation push-button process.
that works—you’ll be able to exploit all the “hidden” If you’re already using Oracle E-Business Suite or
features and characteristics of Oracle technology in another Oracle software platform, migrating your
ways that enhance your business processes. applications to the new environment should be easy.
But to migrate your database, you’ll need to do much
2 - Willingness to help you walk through your
more than simply copy files. You’ll need to export the
purchase decision carefully.
data in a long, elaborate process. Be sure to select a
If you’re still not completely sold on Oracle Exadata, partner that understands the complexity involved.
you need to hear from experienced Oracle experts
who can explain the pros and cons of all your 5 - Ability to perform all of your migration
options—whether they’re Oracle products or not. activities—not just the actual implementation.
And even if you’ve already decided on Oracle
Once you’ve decided on Oracle Exadata, you’ll need to
Exadata, you may be wondering which configuration
migrate numerous applications to the new platform—
you should purchase, and how to get the most
each with its own idiosyncrasies. And if you’re moving
benefit for your budget. This is another reason why
from a .NET or Java environment, you’ll have even
it’s best to work with consultants who know Oracle
more challenges ahead of you. Work with a consulting
from the inside out.
firm that can provide this full breadth of services. By
3 - Ability to create and execute a compelling doing so, you’ll get the most out of each application—
proof of concept. and you’ll avoid the hassle of having to coordinate the
efforts of several niche consulting firms.
When it comes to tapping into your databases, speed
is the most important consideration. That’s why at
some point in your evaluation process, you’ll need
more than lists of benefits and best practices—you’ll
need to try out Oracle Exadata in your environment.
2 www.estuate.com - (408) 400-0680 - sales@estuate.com

3. WHY ESTUATE?
Looking for a consulting firm that can deliver on these best practices—and more? Call on Estuate. As Oracle’s go-to partner
for technology and applications, Estuate provides ongoing product development services to Oracle product teams, and gets
referrals from Oracle to partners needing to integrate their products with Oracle Applications.
How can Estuate help you best leverage your investment in Oracle Exadata as well as your existing Oracle technology?
 As an Oracle reseller, we have access to the same products, services, and pricing as any Oracle
salesperson. But as a small organization, we have greater flexibility to give you the decision support you
need, and to navigate Oracle’s approval chain in pursuit of the terms and conditions you require. Simply put,
we can offer you a simpler, less stressful sales experience.
 Our specialists typically have several years of work experience at Oracle, with certifications in relevant
functional and technical areas.
 We support all types of Oracle deployments, including process benchmarking and gap analysis; Oracle
package selection, configuration, deployment and integration; and post-deployment diagnostics.
 We can perform proofs of concept that help you determine exactly to what extent Oracle Exadata can help
address your existing performance issues.
 We consistently deliver projects on time and on budget for many of the world’s leading companies.
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Don’t put off your Oracle Exadata decision. Contact Estuate to learn more
about launching your free Oracle Exadata proof of concept. Call Estuate
today at (408) 400-0680 or email sales@estuate.com.
2 www.estuate.com - (408) 400-0680 - sales@estuate.com