Keeping up with Oracle technology can be daunting: It is constantly changing.2 But I've found that I'm able to quickly assimilate new information. It's clearly not because I'm smarter than others. I think it's because I have a framework and a method to cram all this new information into my tiny brain. As a side benefit, having a solid framework also makes it easy to disprove the multitude of bogus myths that surround performance firefighting. You'll definitely see the value of my solid and methodical framework.

Finally, this book is about equipping. Without a doubt, you will be equipped to deal with the realities of diagnosis, coming up with practical and effective solutions, and be able to work with others to prioritize and implement the solutions in complex Oracle systems.

Most readers will be DBAs and developers. But you may be one of those IT professionals who specialize (or want to specialize in) performance management, optimization, tuning, or whatever you want to call it. This book will benefit you the most.