Tim started his career at Nortel Networks before joining Oracle Corporation in 1998. At Oracle he worked in the Application Core Technologies team in the Global Support Centre for a several years before moving into the Consulting organisation. During his time in Consulting, Tim worked on a variety of implementations and upgrades for clients in both public and private sectors. In 2004 he left Oracle to join Electronic Arts where he was the lead DBA for Europe. 

After completing all levels of the latest Harry Potter release, he left in 2006. His first client as an independent was Oracle Consulting. Tim will be contributing to our Oracle Apps Database Administration Track.

Tim has taken time out to complete our “top 10″ Questions!

How many years of Oracle Apps experience do you have?

A: 12 years.

How did you come to work with Oracle Apps?

A: I first started working with Oracle Apps in 1992 as an industrial placement student. At that time I was helping with Forms 2.3 and SQL ReportWriter development against a bespoke financials module. After graduating I took a similar role, before moving into a DBA team in 1996.

When did you become an Oracle Contractor?

A: I took the leap of faith in May 2006

What is the most enjoyable part of your work?

A: Funnily enough it’s the operating as a business aspect that I like as it is so different.

What is the least enjoyable part of your work?

A: Agencies

What has been the most satisfying project you have worked on and why?

A: Whilst working for Oracle Consulting, one particular project was a year-long global implementation with a large team of consultants. 
That was good fun and it also presented the opportunity to work just outside Washington DC for six months or so. It was nice to work on a long-term project with colleagues who you normally spent just a few days with here and there.

Which consultant / contractor have you learnt the most from / enjoyed working with the most and why?

A: A difficult question as so many people have certain qualities that make them stand out. I will name two specifically however - Ian Nixon during our time at Oracle and Terry Walton from our time at Electronic Arts. Ian is one of the wisest old(ish) owls I know and always conducts himself with the utmost integrity. Terry probably models himself on the Jack Bauer character from 24! Always aware of the bigger picture and operates in the interests of the project. 
Annoyingly he has the uncanny ability to make the right decision (not always the easiest) almost all of the time. Catchphrase - “I don’t want them mistaking my kindness for weakness!”

What do you see happening in Oracle Apps as we move towards “Fusion”?

A: Having been involved with 11i beta testing previously I’m going to keep my predictions under wraps as they will probably be wrong! However the one thing I know for sure is that as sure as night follows day, Apps patches will get bigger!

What are the hot topics in your area of expertise?

A: Actually I still see clients playing catch-up with things such as grid technology, so whilst many products like 10g have been out there for a while now, they are still being implemented or upgraded to at present. In terms of hot topics for people like myself, I would say it’s any current technology. Outside influences have had certain impacts too such as Sarbanes-Oxley legislation - the DBA has become much more accountable.

What do you do when you are not working?

A: Photography is my hobby of choice at present - I am a member of the Royal Photographic Society and have taught at a local college in the evenings.