What is our primary use case?
We use Oracle SOA Suite to integrate between systems and ensure data synchronization.
How has it helped my organization?
Oracle SOA Suite is a powerful product that allows us to connect with multiple systems. This enables smooth and timely data flow. So it improves the way data flows in our organization.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features for us are the APIs, which we commonly use, as well as the scheduling capabilities and file transfers.
What needs improvement?
One area that could be better is the human task feature. It could be improved to provide more functionality and customization options because it has limited options available. Human tasks involve workflows where users can provide inputs to the process integrations. So I would like to see improvements and expanded features for human tasks.
In future releases, I would like to see improved connectivity with cloud applications and better adapters. Specifically, we need better adapters for Microsoft Dynamics, as we currently lack inbuilt adapters for that system. So, I like to have improved connectivity with cloud apps.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for more than ten years. We are users of the product, and we have also been implementing it for many of our clients.
We are currently using version 12.2.1.3.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate it as highly stable. I would give it a nine out of ten. In terms of stability, we experience very minimal issues with our live applications.
And if any issues arise, Orcale support providers and upgrade solutions help us resolve them promptly.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability a seven out of ten. It's not much more dynamic, not as dynamic as you may think, like seeing it in the cloud.
In order to use it, you need to have the download servers and then scale up your systems.
Oracle SOA Suites serves as a middle layer between applications. For example, let's say you have SAP, and we have Salesforce or Oracle ERP system. Users connect to those systems and perform certain activities or transactions on the applications. Now, if any data needs to be synchronized or any integration needs to happen between these applications, we use the Oracle SOA Suite. It acts as the bridge between the applications, not between the users. It's like having endpoints between the applications. Currently, we have 20 endpoints; 20 systems are connected to it, which is great.
Oracle SOA Suite is being used daily. We are using it to its maximum potential.
How are customer service and support?
Oracle SOA Suite provides excellent support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward; it wasn't too complicated. I would rate my experience with the initial setup as a nine, where one is difficult, and ten is easy.
It took around two days to deploy. The process involved following a set of documentation and guidelines provided by Oracle. We followed the documentation to set up the solution. Some of the steps included ensuring the availability of prerequisite applications like the database and JDK. Once those prerequisites were met, we proceeded with the setup process.
What about the implementation team?
Deployment was done in-house. Typically, one person is sufficient for the deployment. The person would be a system administrator or a WebLogic admin.
Moreover, there will be quarterly patches that need to be applied for maintenance. The number of people required for maintenance depends on the complexity of the APIs and the organization's needs. WebLogic admins or SOA admins handle the maintenance tasks.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is not very high as compared to its competitors.
What other advice do I have?
It can be considered one of the best products that you can use for middleware integrations. Compared with other products like IBM, this could be a better product that has connectivity to other applications apart from Microsoft.
Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. It has much better features compared to other products, especially when we consider other vendors.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
