Like all Oracle users, members of The Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG), are challenged by the business demands created through the emergence of Big Data, the imperative to keep data secure and the impact of cloud computing. But from April 7-11, 2013, interested database professionals have a unique opportunity to discover time- and money-saving solutions presented by Oracle users, consultants and leading experts from all over the world by attending COLLABORATE 13-IOUG Forum at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Nearly 1,000 sessions over the course of five days will provide user-driven content, much of it derived from the real-world experience of peers at their level and/or in their industry. Presentations, hands-on learning sessions, panel discussions and even informal conversations at networking events will give them practical information that can be immediately applied within their organizations. Oracle experts will also be on-hand to provide a high-level view into the next generation technology, all of which helps attendees meet their responsibilities to understand and translate business requirements into the appropriate technical execution. The difference between success and failure in this mission is often measured in millions of dollars.

In addition to database, development, master data management and professional development, hot topics receiving special attention include:

• Big Data, with sessions providing vital insight on unstructured data, Hadoop, R, getting started with your first Big Data project, and a closing keynote by Ari Kaplan, former Statistics Manager with the Chicago Cubs, on what enterprises can learn by seeing how Major League Baseball uses Big Data analytics and visualization to find actionable information in seemingly endless amounts of unrelated data
• Cloud computing and how to de-risk, including developing an Oracle cloud strategy within the enterprise and a case study on using WebCenter as a cloud app on Exalogic for virtualization
• Security, where real-world expertise will be shared on managing super-users with privileged access, improving security during database upgrades, reducing risks associated with remote OS authentication in the enterprise, and security as a means of enabling new opportunities to invest in the business

“As demands increase for what database managers need to know and do to grow, it becomes impossible for them to keep up on their own,” said IOUG President John Matelski. “COLLABORATE 13-IOUG Forum ensures they don’t have to. Drawing on IOUG’s 20 years of experience facilitating the exchange and proliferation of knowledge, skills and personal as well as professional networks, it gives Oracle database professionals the help and support they need to excel in their jobs and grow their careers. For anyone whose enterprise (and job) relies on Oracle technology, COLLABORATE 13-IOUG Forum is the place to be.”

Participants in the conference who register through IOUG have an opportunity for three added bonuses:

• Free, preferred access to IOUG’s Pre-Conference workshops on Sunday, April 7. This program offers a full day of focused education on hot Oracle topics – normally $599 for attendees who do not register through IOUG.
• The new, invitation-only IOUG Strategic Leadership Program, which is geared toward the Senior DBA, IT Manager and seasoned professional interested in getting a seat at the table with senior IT management to discuss corporate strategy. Those interested in taking part in this special offering can request admittance when they register for the IOUG Forum.
• Several exclusive gatherings and networking events planned to help attendees renew old connections and make new ones, including a party celebrating IOUG’s 20^th anniversary.

Appropriately for a Denver conference, COLLABORATE 13-IOUG Forum will open with a keynote address by Aron Ralston, the fearless adventurer and outdoorsman whose story of being trapped for six days on a mountainside after a boulder fell on his hand became the subject of the major motion picture 127 Hours, starring James Franco. Ralston’s message of overcoming extreme adversity, whether personal or professional, is sure to resonate with data management experts working through their own challenges.

COLLABORATE 13 is a joint conference on Oracle technology presented by IOUG, OAUG (Oracle Applications User Group) and the Quest International User Group. For more information, a full conference schedule or to register through IOUG to receive free access to the additional sessions, click here. Early bird registration with additional discounts ends March 6, 2013. To follow live tweets throughout the week and be the first to hear about unique opportunities and contests, follow @IOUG and the hashtag #C13DEN on Twitter, or ‘Like’ IOUG’s Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/iougfan.

About the Independent Oracle Users Group

Founded in 1993, the Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG) is a global membership organization that provides Oracle users the opportunity to enhance their productivity, maximize their investment and influence the quality, usability and support of Oracle technology. The IOUG represents the voice of Oracle technology and database professionals serving nearly 20,000 database administrators, developers, architects, technical managers and other Oracle professionals throughout North America and worldwide. The IOUG empowers its members to be more productive and successful in their businesses and careers by delivering education, sharing best practices and providing technology direction and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.ioug.org or call (312) 245-1579.