Introduction
Released in June 2017, PeopleTools 8.56 reinforced Oracle’s commitment to innovation in PeopleSoft. This release is packed with improvements that enhance usability, unify the user experience across Classic and Fluid pages, extend automation through Cloud Manager and Deployment Packages, and deliver a major leap forward in search capabilities with Elasticsearch. Oracle also placed a strong emphasis on accessibility, making PeopleSoft more inclusive and easier to navigate for all users.
Accessibility Enhancements: Designing for All Users
Accessibility was a core focus in 8.56:
- Screen Reader Mode: Formerly “Accessibility Mode,” this setting is now clearly labeled as “Screen Reader on/off” for ease of use.
- Processing Notifications: Users can enable audible notifications (“Processing. Please wait.”) for screen readers when an action takes longer than two seconds, with customizable timing.
- Enhanced Focus Indicator: A new personalization option (ENHANCEDCURS) provides a strong visual focus indicator to improve navigation for users relying on assistive technology.
These updates underscore Oracle’s goal of building a PeopleSoft experience that works seamlessly for all users.
A Unified and Modernized User Interface
- Classic Plus (Classic+): Introduced in 8.56, Classic Plus applies a modern Fluid-style overlay to Classic pages, creating a unified look and feel across the system. While it doesn’t add full Fluid responsiveness, it provides much-needed visual consistency.
- Fluid Homepage Personalization on Mobile: Users can add, move, or delete tiles on smartphones, improving flexibility and navigation.
- Fluid-Driven Experience: Fluid remains the standard for building responsive, mobile-ready applications, but Classic Plus helps bridge the gap for environments still relying on Classic pages.
Next-Generation Search with Elasticsearch
The shift from Secure Enterprise Search (SES) to Elasticsearch is one of the most impactful changes in PeopleTools 8.56:
- SES Retirement: SES is no longer supported after April 2018. Elasticsearch is now the sole PeopleSoft-supported search engine.
- Dual Version Support: 8.56 delivered Elasticsearch 2.3.2 with later support (from 8.56.12 onward) for Elasticsearch 6.1.2, allowing organizations to choose their migration timeline.
- Advanced Features: Enhancements include clustering for scalability, failover mechanisms, attachment indexing, and the new Direct Transfer technology that moves attachments directly to Elasticsearch, bypassing the integration gateway.
- Health Center Monitoring: The PeopleSoft Health Center monitors Elasticsearch clusters, providing visibility into performance, node health, and potential issues.
Automation, Deployment, and Cloud Innovations
- PeopleSoft Cloud Manager: Cloud Manager gives customers the power to rapidly provision, clone, and manage PeopleSoft environments while Oracle handles infrastructure. This helps organizations move toward cloud strategies with greater agility.
- Deployment Packages (DPKs): DPKs are now the standard for installation and patching. In 8.56, DPKs are integrated into upgrade processes, allowing Change Assistant to deliver certified Upgrade Source Images—simplifying upgrades and minimizing manual effort.
- Update Manager Enhancements: Analytics-driven change package definitions, repository improvements, and package merging capabilities help streamline maintenance.
Development, Testing, and Lifecycle Tools
- PeopleSoft Test Framework (PTF): Expanded in 8.56 to include chart-based and query-based testing, improving automation in QA processes.
- Event Mapping Enhancements: Developers can now associate multiple custom application classes with a single PeopleCode event, and new event types (page-level Activate and FieldChange) provide more flexibility.
- Page Composer: Simplifies the design and maintenance of Fluid approval pages with a drag-and-drop interface—eliminating the need for heavy customizations.
- Change Assistant Improvements: With Update Manager integration, Change Assistant streamlines patching, updates, and upgrades by leveraging DPK automation and guided processes.
Portal Technology and Navigation
- Unified Navigation: Dependency on the Interaction Hub is eliminated. Users can now navigate seamlessly across applications without needing a separate hub.
- Contextual Fluid Dashboards: Developers can create Fluid dashboards tailored to user-specified or system-defined contexts, ensuring relevant content is always at hand.
File Processing and Cloud Attachments
PeopleTools 8.56 introduced integration with Oracle Documents Cloud, allowing users to attach and manage documents directly from the cloud. This capability improves collaboration and streamlines file handling.
PeopleTools 8.56 Platform Support and Certifications
With 8.56, Oracle extended certification across updated operating systems, databases, browsers, and middleware. This ensures PeopleSoft environments remain compatible with modern enterprise stacks while providing long-term platform stability.
Why PeopleTools 8.56 Matters
PeopleTools 8.56 wasn’t just a maintenance release—it reshaped the PeopleSoft experience. With accessibility improvements, unified UI styling, Elasticsearch-powered search, automation-driven cloud management, and lifecycle tools built for efficiency, this release positioned PeopleSoft customers to be more agile, user-focused, and cloud-ready.
Learn More
To further your knowledge and networking, view the resources available on the PeopleSoft PeopleTools Strategic Content Center, join a PeopleSoft Community Group, and register for an upcoming PeopleSoft in-person or online event.