FAQ

1. Can I join this training if I do not know WSDL, XSD?
2. Do I need Java or J2EE for understanding the underlying code?
3. Can I try this training?
4. What do I need to install?
5. How do I install them?
6. How is the format of the training?
7. What hapens if I am struck while doing the exercise?
8. Why should I get trained only by you?
9. Why don't you teach ESB during BPEL?
10. How does it compare with other trainings?
11. Is this job oriented?
12. Do you prepare us for the interviews?
13. Do you help in placing candidates?
14. Why should I learn SOA and how do I benefit?
15. Why is the Course Fee different for early registrants?
16. What are the minimum and maximum number students accepted in a batch?
17. Do you provide support after the Course?

1. Can I join this training if I do not know WSDL, XSD?

   Yes. The only prerequisite to attend this training is a background of any programming language, some work experience and the determination to learn. We will teach you the concepts of WebService so that you can get started. However, you need to do lot of reading and practice so that you master these concepts.

2. Do I need Java or J2EE for understanding the underlying code?

   As has been mentioned earlier, BPEL is different from the traditional programming languages like Java and C. The programming is done through BPEL Designer, a graphical tool(plugin in JDeveloper or Eclipse) and the resultant code is stored in a XML format that is compliant to the BPEL Spec. Internally, Oracle has implemented this in Java and use the J2EE Application Server(Weblogic) to execute this. But, this is hidden from the developer and so is not a prerequisite for learning BPEL. BPEL orchestrates the Services. The Services are primarily exposed as WebServices through WSDL. The business logic behind the Web Service could have been implemented in Java, C, PL/SQL, C#, etc. Again, we are not concerned about the internal implementation but just the WSDL. The BPEL Process is also exposed as WebService and can be invoked from Java, C#, etc. So, for learning BPEL, the knowledge on webservices is required. Creation of webservice, WSDL, SOAP will be covered in the training. If you have time, I would advise you to go through WebService, SOAP, WSDL before the training starts.

3. Can I try this training?

   Sure you can. At the end of the first day session, if, for any reason you want to discontinue the training you can. We will refund 100% of the tution fee. But, you need to register for the training to join and try it.

4. What do I need to install?

   1. Oracle SOA Suite 11g

   2. Oracle JDeveloper 11g

   3. Oracle Database 10g Express Edition

   The above software needs to be installed on your desktop to learn BPEL so that

   a. You will learn to install the server which is essential in your job

   b. This will enable you to work on BPEL anytime, anywhere.

   c. You need to have at least 4GB RAM on your desktop/laptop. Please go through Memory Requirement

   Note : Do not underestimate the time required for setting up the development environment at your side. You need to start this at least a weekend prior to the start date of the training.

5. How do I install them?

   We will provide detailed and clear instructions for installation and configuration. You are supposed to register early and follow the detailed instructions to complete the installation. If you are struck then I can schedule a conference and to troubleshoot.

6. How is the format of the training?

   The training is going to be very interactive where the topics are summarized frequently so that they are not forgotten. Each theory session will not exceed more than 55 mins. A practice session will start immediately after the theory. There will be a 5 min break for each hour so that you stay focused. We provide detaled instructons to complete each practice exercise so that you can refer to this later.

7. What happens if I am struck while doing the exercise?

   The trainer can take control of your desktop using the webconferencing software "gotomeeting" and troubleshoot the issue

8. Why should I get trained only by you?

   Good question. Following are some of the reasons
   a. To my knowledge, this is the only BPEL course that provides a 100% refund at the end of the first day if you are not satisfied. We provide this guarantee only because we are confident of the quality of our training.
   b. This is taught by a SOA Architect. We give a very broad and exhaustive coverage of SOA Suite.
   c. We teach you on the latest version which is Oracle SOA Suite 11.1.1.4
   d. This is being provided by the founder who is an SOA Architect and has served various senior roles. Teaching BPEL is different from the traditional programming languages like Java, SQL and C# which we are accustomed to. Our goal is to provide crystal clear training and you can be assured about it.
   e. We provide support for 2 months from the end date of the training so that you are successful at work.
   

9. Do you cover Oracle Service Bus during BPEL?

   We explain Oracle Service Bus and show through an example(lab) how the BPEL interacts with Oracle Service Bus. But, we do not cover the whole of Oracle Service Bus as this by itself is to be taught as a 4 day course. 5 days are barely sufficient just for BPEL. We think that by combining both in 5 days we will not be able to do justice to both the topics.

10. How does it compare with other trainings?

    I have experience with Oracle provided training and one India based training on BPEL and I can share my experiences on them. Oracle training was very expensive, the material was good, the instructor did not demo the exercises. The web training provided from India was provided by a new instructor who could not run simple examples during the training, there was power falure on one day, bandwidth problems, system problems, the trainer left in the middle of one session and just did not show up on another day. As a result the training extended to 3 months and was repeated by another instructor. In contrast, we provide you crystal clear understanding of each topic, detailed instructions on each exercise, help you troubleshoot issues, provide support and accessible during US times.

11. Is this job oriented?

    It is defintely job oriented. This course will open you to the world of SOA and BPEL and guide you through it. However, to be an expert, you need to complete all the assignments provided in this course. Then you will be able to confidently handle any issues that arise in your job assignments.

12. Do you prepare us for the interviews?

    Completing the Course will automatically go a long way in preparing you for the interview. During the training, we will conduct mock interviews which will help you to face interviews. But, you need to practice, read books and articles so that you are well prepared for the interview.

13. Do you help in placing candidates?

    I do not. But, I can put you in touch with 3 of my friend's companies who have around 300 employees each and have excellent placement teams and provide good benefits.

14. Why should I learn SOA and how do I benefit?

    Enterprises are adopting SOA to enhance business agility, help in better integration and to have more visibility in the business operations.(In some cases, SOA adoption is done because it is considered to be an elixir for all the problems plaguing the IT department).

    For a J2EE Developer/Architect, J2EE technology has stagnated with EJB, Struts, Spring and Hibernate(The exciting changes are happening in Web 2.0 technologies like Adobe Flex, Dojo, GWT, JQuery, etc). There are numerous professionals available with these skills and billing rates have flattened out. Learning SOA provides the extra advantage to the J2EE background in this competitive job market(It is a natural fit because most SOA platforms are an extension to the J2EE application servers). It will help you qualify for both J2EE and SOA jobs and the SOA billing rates are currently higher than the J2EE.

    For an Oracle Apps Developer, this is a natural requirement by the organization as they most likely would/have adopted SOA.

    For a DataWarehouse developer/architect, SOA provides new opportunities through BAM(Business Activity Monitoring), a fast track business intelligence solution by Oracle SOA and in managing the SOA repositories.

15. Why is the Course Fee different for early registrants?

    Early registrations are rewarded for the following reasons

    Installation of Oracle SOA Suite is time consuming and needs my support. Early registration helps me plan accordingly.

    There were times when the Course had to be delayed by a day as some of the enrollees did not set up the development environment. This is a penalty for those who have setup the development environment and we want to avoid that.

    It provides enrollees time to go through SOAP, WSDL, XPath, XSLT.

16. What are the minimum and maximum students in a batch?

    The minimum for a batch to start is 5 and maximum is 10. It is difficult to support more than 10. A batch that has less than 5 is not worth our time and we postpone it at that time. This happens rarely but when it does we refund 100% of the money.

17. Do you support after the Course?

    Yes. Support till 2 month after the Course is free. After that you will have to buy support for 1 month slots. Paid support does not apply for questions that you have. I would like to support you in your work and see you successful.