AIM Advantage

TM
3.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is AIM Advantage
TM
?
The Application Implementation Method (AIM) is a proven, structured
approach for implementing business solutions based on Oracle Applications.
AIM Advantage is a packaged version of AIM used by Oracle Consulting,
Oracles implementation partners and customers. It is a web-deployed toolkit
for planning, executing and controlling Oracle Applications implementation
projects.
Q: What are the differences between AIM Advantage 3.0 and the prior release?
There are many exciting changes incorporated in the newest release. AIM
Advantage 3.0 has been significantly expanded with new and enhanced
processes and tighter integration with other Oracle offerings; and now offers
much improved scalability. The new web-based user interface runs in a
standard browser and provides easy access to the tools comprehensive
content. New features include:
support for business process change using the new Business Process
Architecture process
support for organizational change management considerations using the
new Adoption and Learning process.
expanded scalability through designation of core tasks, optional tasks, and
definition of associated optional task criteria
interlocks to other Oracle products and service offerings, such as Oracle
Business Models and Oracle Tutor
AIM Advantage is the third generation of the method released by Oracle
Consulting. The first version of AIM was initially released for use by Oracle
Consulting staff in October, 1994. AIM Advantage 2.0, a refined version of the
method, was released in July, 1997. Oracle introduced AIM Advantage 3.0 in
September, 1999.
Q: Who should use AIM Advantage 3.0?
AIM Advantage should be used by organizations and project teams that are
chartered with implementing Oracle Applications. This includes Oracle
Applications customers who want to implement the applications by themselves,
with the help of Oracle Consulting, or another implementation partner.
Q: What are the primary benefits of using AIM Advantage 3.0 as a method?
The primary benefits of using AIM Advantage 3.0 are:
More Focused Effort - With a new underlying structure that includes the
identification of core and optional tasks, you are guided in the selection of
work that must be performed, as well as identifying tasks that can be
eliminated from the project plan. By focusing only on required tasks, you
avoid wasting time performing unnecessary work.
More Cost Effective - By only performing necessary tasks, you are better
able to control your project expenses and implementation budget.
Higher Quality - AIM mandates that quality be built-in throughout the
implementation, rather than testing for quality at the end of the project.
Detailed Directions - With clearly defined roles and responsibilities and
simply written task steps, AIM Advantage provides clear guidance for tasks
that must be performed.
Q: What is included with AIM Advantage 3.0?
The following components are included in AIM Advantage 3.0:
Software Tools
Customizable Workplans
Thin-engine content generator
Deliverable Templates
On-Line Method Guidelines
AIM Method Handbook
AIM Process & Task Reference
Oracle Method Installation & Deliverable Template Users Guide
PJM Method Handbook
PJM Process & Task Reference
Q: Should projects currently using AIM Advantage 2.0 upgrade to AIM Advantage
3.0?
Implementation projects commencing after the public release of AIM Advantage
3.0 are encouraged to use the new release for planning and conducting the
implementation.. Projects that are currently using AIM Advantage 2.0 should
assess the benefits of upgrading to the new release, and weigh them against the
cost of changing the approach, before making the upgrade decision. In most
cases, projects should continue to use AIM Advantage 2.0. Many of the
benefits of the new release can be realized on such a project by leveraging the
capabilities of the new release in the performance of the version 2.0 tasks. AIM
Advantage 3.0 provides a handy cross-reference, showing the relationship of
AIM Advantage 2.0 tasks to AIM Advantage 3.0 tasks, for easy mapping
between the two releases.
Q: Is AIM Advantage 3.0 applicable to the General Business space?
Yes, AIM Advantage 3.0 is applicable to customers in the General Business
space because AIM FastForward (Oracles approach to mid-market
implementations) is fully aligned with and supported by AIM Advantage 3.0.
Q: Is training available?
Yes. Oracle University offers AIM Advantage training in the form of a 3-day
instructor-led course entitled AIM Advantage 3.0 for Practitioners.
Q: Who supports AIM Advantage?
AIM Advantage is not supported through Oracle Worldwide Support. Support,
if desired, may be acquired through Oracle Consulting on a Time and Materials
basis.
Q: Are upgrades to AIM Advantage planned?
Yes, upgrades are planned, but not scheduled. The availability of new versions
will be announced when available and can be purchased separately.
Q: What is the price of AIM Advantage 3.0?
AIM Advantage 3.0 has a global price of USD $2195 per copy.
Q: Can other consulting firms or third party organizations buy and/or resell AIM
Advantage?
Any organization may purchase AIM Advantage for internal use, but there is no
provision for resale by third party organizations. Oracles select implementation
partners have access to AIM Advantage and are authorized to use it in
implementing a system for client fees, with appropriate approval from Oracle
Executive Management. Additionally, the current licensing agreement between
Oracle and clients provides third party organizations access to the clients
copies of the method when providing services to the client if the client
purchases sufficient copies for internal resources and third party practitioners.
Q: What other methods and tools are integrated with AIM Advantage 3.0?
AIM Advantage 3.0 is closely integrated with Oracles Project Management
Method (PJM). AIM and PJM tasks are both reflected in the AIM Work
Breakdown Structure (WBS).
AIM Advantage 3.0 also includes interlocks with other Oracle offerings. These
interlocks are defined at the task level and include:
Oracle Business Models (OBM)
Solution Value Assessment (SVA)
Oracle Support Assessment (OSA)
Learning Needs Assessment (LNA)
Enterprise Data Management System (EDMS)
Oracle Tutor
Q: How do I order AIM Advantage 3.0?
AIM Advantage 3.0 can be ordered from the following sources:
Through you local Oracle Consulting representative
Contact Oracle Consultings Internet Sales Division via the following
emailid <OCSOLN_US@ORACLE.COM>
Q: Where can I get more information about AIM Advantage 3.0?
You can get more information from the following sources:
Contact your Oracle Sales Representative or Oracle Consulting
Representative
Contact Oracle Consultings Internet Sales Division via the following
emailid <OCSOLN_US@ORACLE.COM>
Oracle web site at WWW.ORACLE.COM
Send an email message to aim-admin_us@oracle.com