August 2012 issue of Profit is now available online.

Way back in 2003, I wrote my first feature for Profit. It was titled “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Application Servers (But Were Afraid To Ask),” and it discussed “cutting-edge” technologies like portals and XML and the brand-new Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE; we’re now on Java EE 7).

But despite the dated terms I used in my Profit debut, I noticed something in rereading that old story that has stayed constant: mid-tier technology is where innovative enterprise IT projects happen. It may have been XML in 2003, but it’s SOA in 2012.

While preparing the August issue of Profit was more than just a stroll down memory lane for me, it has provided a nice bit of perspective about what changes and what doesn’t in this dynamic IT industry. Technologies continuously evolve—some become standard practice, some are revived or reinvented, and some are left by the wayside. But the drive to innovate and the desire to succeed are business principles that never go out of fashion.

Also, be sure to check out the Profit JD Edwards Special Issue 2012 (PDF), featuring partner profiles, customer successes, and Oracle executive interviews.

The Middleware Advantage
Three ways a flexible, integrate software layer can deliver a competitive edge

Playing to Win
Electronic Arts’ superefficient hub processes millions of online gaming transactions every day.

Adjustable Loans
With Oracle Exadata, Reliance Commercial Finance keeps pace with India’s commercial loan market.

Future Proof
To keep pace with mobile, social, and location-based services, smart technologists are using middleware to innovate.

Spring Training
Knowledge and communication help Jackson Hewitt’s Tim Bechtold get seasonal workers in top shape.

Keeping Online Customers Happy
Customers worldwide are comfortable with online service—but are companies meeting customers’ needs?