As we go through life, our paths are often greatly influenced by even the slightest of touches from others. Whether knowingly or not, near or far, well-known or acquaintances, you have all produced far reaching ripples in my life's stream.

Mike Pomphrey, for giving me my break into the IT business and introducing me to Oracle (not to mention providing tongue-in-cheek bragging rights that Lockheed-Martin waited at the door after hours for me!). Little did I know of the journey of opportunity that began that day at the Job Fair so long ago. Thank you, not only for recognizing a diamond in the rough, but for your friendship and support over these many years. Though we don't see each other often, I have come to believe that when our paths cross, it is God's way of telling me that great opportunities are right around the corner.

Andy Taylor, my greatest professional supporter. Friend, you never wavered in helping me attain what I myself never thought attainable. Your own talents and abilities have inspired me to reach far beyond my comfort zone and broaden my horizons. Whenever you saw the opportunity, you not only showed me the door, but opened it and pulled me through. Also, to Chip Brown, for so often handing Andy the "keys" to open those doors and "do it". It is these doors of opportunity that have led me here.

To my Replication mentors: Rhonda, David, and Janet.

Rhonda Cordonnier (the original Replication Goddess of Oracle Support). For taking advantage of my technical naivety so many years ago and convincing me that I DID want to learn Replication. David Russell "…of the UK" for inviting me to join the Replication PA team at Oracle and mentoring me in the best practices of technical writing for all those Metalink notes. Janet Stern, though it has been many years, the document and beta review invitations, and phone mentoring marathons are still fresh in my mind (it's been almost a decade since you sat on the phone with me for 5 hours explaining heterogeneous gateways, while 7 months pregnant and no break — I am STILL in awe!). Perhaps without even knowing it, you were my most instrumental technical mentor.

To the illustrious Mr. Yen for calling me up and asking "Have you ever thought of writing a book?" Wow! What a ride! Thank you for all your help and support, I never would have done this if it weren't for you. Can't wait for the next adventure!

To Rodger, and Tony of APG Technologies for your "Johnny on the spot" IT support and helping us with the test bed. Also to Eric Amberge, for giving us the thumbs-up to pursue this opportunity to push our personal boundaries and expand our horizons.

To the Oracle 11gR2 beta team for allowing us the opportunity to "play" with the latest and greatest incarnation. Thank you for your support and assistance.

To our publishing team at Packt Publishing for making this all possible. Also, to our editors and reviewers for all their hard work and dedication in bringing this book to intelligible print. Your support, patience, expertise, and assistance have been invaluable. And to Lavanya, for stepping in at the eleventh hour to help us with the final reviews.

To my friends and family who have been so supportive and understanding throughout the writing of this book. Thank you for not forgetting that I exist, and pulling me out of my "cave" every so often to remind me that the sun still shines in the sky and in the hearts of those close to me. To Renee, Patrick, and the helpful and handsome, blue-eyed cowboy (whose name is unknown) at the dude ranch at the end of the white fence; for helping me find my way back to one of my favorite places on earth to take the cover picture. And to God for giving me that incredible place all to myself that beautiful day.

To my parents, for life; and the brains, encouragement, and sense of humor to live it. I hope your life's choices have brought you the happiness and peace you sought with them, as mine have me.

To Rachel and Jacob, the greatest gifts and loves of my life. For the unwavering support, encouragement, and unconditional love. My strength and my joy. It is because of you that I am who I have become. You ARE the best of me.

Most of all, to Him and His; through whom all things are possible. For bringing each and every one of you into my life to help me come to this point.

On occasion I have moments where I wonder "How did I get here?" Well, as we finish this book, now is the time to pause and reflect. I would like to thank the Professor who first taught me about Oracle, "Professor Hutch". "Professor Hutch" always challenged the students with the statement "go ahead and try that, see if it works", never giving us the easy way out and forcing us to learn through our actual experiences. To the friends and managers that were part of the Oracle SCHOLAR program where good memories were made being in the crucible. The Oracle SCHOLAR program was an unforgettable experience, for it set the foundations for what I am now with regards to Oracle.

Thanks to the "Replication Goddess" for saying "sure that sounds exciting" when I asked her to co-author this book. Ann, it's been one interesting and exciting journey and I could not have done it without you.

To the members of APG Technology, it's a pleasure to work with all of you. This is the best group of talent and personalities I have ever seen. To Mike Janeway and Eric Amberge, things have definitely changed since the meeting at the Proud Bird. Thanks to both of you for bringing me on board and providing support.

To the team at Packt Publishing, thanks for providing this platform for us. I never knew the amount of behind-the-scenes work and editing done to get a book published. This team rocks!

To Yvonne Yu for being part of my life in a way only you can be.

To B and Turtle, thanks for adding perspective outside of my work. Turtle thanks for more than you could ever know.

To my parents, thanks for always doing your best for my sister and I, even when I was not doing my best.

To Richard Rose, Connie Yen-Rose, Carlie Rose and Emma Rose love you all.