Born Again Classic Metalink
Posted by Harald van Breederode on November 12, 2009
On November 6th MyOracleSupport went into production to replace Metalink. MyOracleSupport is build using Flash technology which isn’t totally accessible to visually impaired people who rely on screen-readers. Although Flash can be made accessible, it remains difficult to use in my opinion and I prefer using an HTML interface where available. When logging in to Metalink, one was offered a choice of using Flash or HTML interfaces and I believe most users preferred the HTML interface as did I.
When logging in to MyOracleSupport no choice is offered, but an HTML interface
is still available and is perfectly accessible to the blind and others who dislike using Flash.
-Harald
Ronald Rood said
Too bad that Oracle chooses to ignore the accessibility guide lines. At first I thought it was typically Dutch to choose for presentation instead of quality of content. I really hope this ‘upgrade’ be fixed soon. Even simple things like copy and paste no longer seem to be possible. Thanks for the new link Harold, at the moment it gives a warning:
actually, anything I tried was failing. Hoping for improvements,
Ronald.
Harald van Breederode said
Hi Ronald,
The reason for the HTML interface is because we actually do care about accessibility.
I don’t get an error message when I log in. I am not sure why you do get the error message. If it persists I will ask the development team why you get it and I don’t.
-Harald
Amit said
Harald,
I believe html interface does not work for database products. I tried searching a document and wasn’t able to find it. Is it working for you?
Amit
Egor Starostin said
I believe html interface does not work for database products. I tried searching a document and wasn’t able to find it. Is it working for you?
It works for me after I’ve changed Knowledge Preferences (it’s in Profile section). In my case default search sources were set to JDE World Products. I’ve just changed it to Oracle Products.
Harald van Breederode said
Hi Egor,
You are correct that one has to set up their Knowledge Preferences. I figured this out on Friday but I didn’t have time to reply to Richard. So you beated me on time ;-) Thanx!
-Harald
Harald van Breederode said
Hi Amit,
I had to figure this out myself, and it turned out that you need to setup your “Knowledge Preferences” in your profile. There is a “Knowledge user template” that you need to set to “Oracle products”. Once done you can use the “Knowledge Articles Search” functionality.
-Harald
Richard Bartholomew said
It’s good to be back in the bosom of Oracle support having been ex-communicated from Oracle all week because this HTML version hasn’t been working. Long live HTML!
Richard Bartholomew said
However, it is a pity that Oracle had the need to develop a secondary HTML site since, already, this one does not have all the features encompassed in the Flash version. With the best will in the world, this is only likely to get worse as time goes by. It would have been a much better solution to embrace “universal design” at the outset and ensure the new offering was accessible by all – thereby minimising future maintenance overheads.
Harald van Breederode said
Hi Richard,
Yes, embraceing Universal Design Principles would indeed avoid double user interfaces like this. I fully support your opinion.
-Harald
Harald van Breederode said
I forgot to mention that the HTML interface isn’t 100% feature equal to the Flash interface.
The HTML option includes a subset of functionality available on My Oracle Support. It includes:
SR management, including create and update SR, attachments, and configuration association
Browse and search the knowledgebase
Patch search and download
My Oracle Support Communities
Certifications and Product Roadmap
Favorites
User administration
Hot Topics
Bug Summary
Service Request Management Reports
The HTML option does not include the following functionality, which is only available in the Flash version of My Oracle Support:
Systems
Projects
Healthchecks
Patch Advice & Recommendations
Inventory Reporting
OnDemand Portal, Service Request and RFC Functionality
CRM OnDemand Service Requests & Knowledge