Let me begin by saying that I could have done a better job in defining
converge. I placed this post in the
Applications forum for a purpose: I wanted an apps/functional person's opinion and not a tech opinion. Only an technical ignoramous would presume that I meant that Oracle or PSFT code would be converted to JDE ER / BSFNs / Versions, etc (converge != convert). My questions was rhetorical about the design of Financials apps. There was no truth/falsehood implied whatsoever. SO, I don't know how it would it be possible that I could be
"further from the truth" to begin with.
So, for a point of clarification, I'm going to use the second definition of converge:
2. to tend to a common result, conclusion.
There is nothing I see in Statements of Direction, Product Roadmaps, etc, that imply to me that there is a specific plan for version of JDE Financials being converted to SOA architecture. I want someone familiar with JDE financials applications from a
functional perspective to speak to which flavor of Financials could be or will be the dominant one (in a functional sense and not code). Maybe Jon can find something in this set of links that I haven't. I have attached a BMP of what I see in the Statement of Direction link. Please feel free to post those documents. The only thing that I see that is relevant to E1 in Prodcut Roadmaps is 8.11 being retired in 2009.
So having said that, it would seem to me (from a technical perspective and application infamiliar) that a mature business app like Financials would not be enhanced or developed beyond the next 1 to 2 years if it is going to be completely re-engineered. Quite frankly, even with my limited knowledge of Financials, I am going to go out on a limb to say that there have been few
developments or enhancements to JDE E1 core Financials in the last 2 years. If there are, I would be glad to hear the contrary. Other than FMCC, I can't think of any.
So, the question is is: what distinguishes JDE FM vs. Oracle FM vs. Peoplesoft FM such that they could not converge (in design not technology)? At what point do the various flavors of Financial Management cease being distinquishable from requirements and design perspective?
Thanks, Jon, but please let others speak to these questions. While you may say that you know developers at JDE, that doesn't really answer the question I am attempting to address.