At Oracle, Simplicity Rules All

To jump-start revenue growth, Mark Jarvis has insisted that simplicity be the foundation not only of Oracle's marketing but also of its product development. Programmers, salespeople, and marketing staff now work closely to satisfy real customer problems, not just deliver glitz. On Nov. 18, Mark Jarvis spoke with BusinessWeek Online Technology reporter Jane Black about his plans to improve Oracle's fortunes. Here are edited excerpts from that conversation.

BusinessWeek (2002). Articles>Usability>Databases>Software

The Essentials of a Database Quality Process    

Many steps are involved in the process of turning an initial concept for a database into a finished product that meets the needs of its user community. In this paper, we describe those steps in the context of a four-phase process with particular emphasis on the quality-related issues that need to be addressed in each phase to ensure that the final product is a high quality database. The basic requirements for a successful database quality process are presented with specific examples drawn from experience gained in the Standard Reference Data Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Blakeslee, Dorothy M. and John Rumble, Jr. Data Science Journal (2003). Articles>Information Design>Databases>Usability

Validity Checks

Work with your fellow employees to understand how they enter data so you can determine the best way to present their choices; they won't forget who's responsible for their improved accuracy and speed, particularly around performance appraisal time. Of course, you'll also earn your own manager's gratitude once you're no longer wasting time fixing preventable errors.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Geoff-Hart.com (1999). Articles>Usability>Databases>EPSS