If you want to get started with Oracle’s “strategic” portal offering, WebCenter Framework (WCF), it’s best to start by gaining an understanding of Oracle’s Application Development Framework (ADF), because ADF forms the foundation of WCF. The ADF is Oracle’s development framework that will be used internally for their own application development (i.e. most to all of their future products will be built using the ADF). So, even if WebCenter isn’t in your immediate plans, if you’re an Oracle shop, learning the ADF is worthwhile.
Where does WebCenter Framework come in? Essentially, WCF adds several portal capabilities to the ADF like customization and personalization.
In an effort to get started with the ADF, two blogs out there are exceedingly helpful, Shay Smeltzer’s at http://blogs.oracle.com/shay/ and the AMIS blog at http://technology.amis.nl/blog/ (though the AMIS blog is more ADF specific here). Both have a wealth of useful and detailed information, and Shay has an excellent “Getting Started” post found here.
Two books by Oracle Press are must-haves when working with these technologies:
- Oracle Fusion Developer Guide: Building Rich Internet Applications with Oracle ADF Business Components and Oracle ADF Faces
- Oracle WebCenter 11g Handbook: Build Rich, Customizable Enterprise 2.0 Applications
Please feel free to post any other useful resources you find in the comments.
