Oracle Forms Migration Consultant

Job Description

Background and Context

The organization operates a legacy Oracle Forms & Reports environment currently hosted on Microsoft Windows Server (2003 R2 and 2008). The stack includes:

• Oracle Forms & Reports 10g (Oracle Application Server 10g)
• Oracle Databases 10g and 11gR2
• VMware-based virtualization

The Windows operating systems are end-of-life and represent unacceptable operational and security risk. The organization has decided to:

• Exit the Windows platform entirely
• Upgrade Oracle Forms & Reports to the final supported release (12c)
• Migrate the environment to Linux (RHEL 7.9)
• Modernize the database platform to Oracle 12c or 19c
• Decommission Oracle Application Server 10g

Custom Java Struts web applications previously co-hosted on the Forms server are out of scope for this effort and will not be migrated.

This SOW defines the scope of work required to design build migrate and validate the new Linux-based Oracle Forms & Reports 12c environment.

Objectives

1. Design a supported stable Oracle Forms & Reports 12c architecture on RHEL 7.9
2. Migrate Oracle Forms & Reports from 10g (Windows) to 12c (Linux)
3. Migrate Oracle databases from 10g / 11gR2 (Windows) to 12c or 19c (Linux)
4. Validate functional parity of Forms and Reports
5. Establish a secure supportable runtime environment
6. Enable decommissioning of all Windows-based Oracle servers

In-Scope Work

1. Architecture & Planning

• Review current Oracle Forms Reports and database environment
• Identify Forms & Reports version-specific upgrade considerations
• Define target-state architecture (application tier database tier client access)
• Recommend Oracle DB target version (12c vs 19c)
• Identify Linux OS Java and library requirements
• Produce a migration plan and cutover approach

2. Linux Environment Build (RHEL 7.9)

• Validate RHEL 7.9 baseline suitability for Oracle Forms & Reports 12c
• Define required OS packages libraries (including 32-bit/X11) and kernel parameters
• Configure Oracle user accounts directory structures and permissions
• Install and configure required Java (Oracle JDK 8 pinned version)

3. Oracle Forms & Reports 12c Installation

• Install Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure 12c
• Install Oracle Forms & Reports 12c
• Apply the latest recommended bundle patches
• Configure Forms & Reports domain
• Configure WebLogic Admin and managed servers for Forms and Reports

4. Database Migration

• Design database migration approach (export/import RMAN Data Pump or upgrade)
• Migrate:
  • Oracle 10g databases
  • Oracle 11gR2 databases (including Data Guard if applicable)
• Validate schema integrity stored procedures and Forms connectivity

5. Forms & Reports Migration and Validation

• Compile and migrate Forms modules from 10g to 12c
• Resolve compilation warnings and runtime issues
• Validate Reports output formatting and fonts
• Configure Forms servlet and runtime parameters
• ***Validate Forms launch via Java Web Start (JNLP)***

6. Client Access & Runtime Validation

• Validate Forms client launch using Java Web Start
• Define supported client Java versions
• Address certificate security prompt and trust issues
• Validate browser-based launch workflow

7. Hardening and Operational Readiness

• Post-install OS hardening guidance (SELinux firewall services)
• Backup and recovery recommendations
• Patch management guidance
• Knowledge transfer to internal staff

8. Cutover and Decommissioning Support

• Assist with production cutover planning
• Validate production environment
• Support decommissioning of Windows-based Oracle servers

Out-of-Scope Work

• Migration or remediation of Java Struts or other custom web applications
• Application rewrites or functional enhancements
• End-user training beyond technical validation
• Ongoing managed services after project completion
• Oracle licensing procurement or contract negotiation (advisory only)

Deliverables

• Target-state architecture documentation (high-level)
• Migration plan and cutover strategy
• RHEL 7.9 build and configuration checklist
• Installed and patched Oracle Forms & Reports 12c environment
• Migrated and validated Oracle databases
• Forms & Reports functional validation results
• Knowledge transfer session and handoff documentation

Mandatory Experience

• Oracle Forms & Reports (10g 11g / 12c) migration experience
• Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (Forms & Reports)
• Oracle Database administration and migration (10g/11g 12c/19c)
• Linux administration (RHEL 7 preferred)
• Prior Windows-to-Linux Oracle migrations (verifiable)
• Experience with Java Web Start (JNLP) for Oracle Forms
• Familiarity with Oracle patching (OPatch bundle patches)

Soft Skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Clear technical documentation skills
• Pragmatic risk-aware approach to legacy systems

Success Criteria

• Oracle Forms & Reports 12c running on RHEL 7.9
• Databases running on Linux (12c or 19c)
• Validate Forms client launch using Java Web Start
• Functional parity with existing Forms and Reports
• Windows-based Oracle servers fully decommissioned or retired
• Environment accepted by internal stakeholders