Database support options

Users who have Oracle support contracts can use Oracle's "My Oracle Support" or "MOS"[62]
web site – known as "MetaLink" until a re-branding exercise completed in October 2010. The
support site provides users of Oracle Corporation products with a repository of reported
problems, diagnostic scripts and solutions. It also integrates with the provision of support
tools, patches and upgrades.

The Remote Diagnostic Agent or RDA[63] can operate as a command-line diagnostic tool
executing a script. The data captured provides an overview of the Oracle Database
environment intended for diagnostic and trouble-shooting. Within RDA, the HCVE (Health
Check Validation Engine)[64] can verify and isolate host system environmental issues that
may affect the performance of Oracle software.

Database-related guidelines

Oracle Corporation also endorses certain practices and conventions as enhancing the use of
its database products. These include:

 Oracle Maximum Availability Architecture (MAA)[65] guidelines on developing high-

availability systems
 Optimal Flexible Architecture (OFA), blueprints for mapping Oracle-database objects
to file-systems

Oracle Certification Program

Main article: Oracle Certification Program

The Oracle Certification Program, a professional certification program, includes the

administration of Oracle Databases as one of its main certification paths. It contains three
levels:

1. Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)

2. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
3. Oracle Certified Master (OCM)

User Groups

A large number of User Groups for Oracle Database administrators, developers and users has
been established on geographical/region, industry and product basis, including:

 Geographical/regional user groups[66] (e.g. The Independent Oracle Users Group

(IOUG))
 Industry-centric user groups (e.g. Oracle Health Sciences User Group)
 Product-centric user groups (e.g. The OakTable Network)

The Oracle User Group communities also host regular events for customers/users to share
their experiences and knowledge.