Transitioning from PeopleSoft to Oracle Cloud HCM marks a major shift—not only in technology but also in the staffing model that supports your HR systems. As more organizations modernize their HR operations, questions naturally arise: What happens to the IT team? What roles will functional experts play in the Cloud environment? And how does ongoing system management differ from the on-premises model?
Redefining Roles: IT and Functional Teams in the Cloud
One of the most significant staffing changes during a move to Oracle Cloud HCM is the evolution of IT and functional roles. In an on-premises PeopleSoft environment, IT teams manage infrastructure, handle patches and upgrades, and oversee system performance. But in the Cloud, infrastructure responsibilities shift to Oracle—freeing internal IT teams to focus on higher-value tasks.
On the functional side, PeopleSoft experts continue to play a critical role. These employees bring essential knowledge about business processes, reporting requirements, and historical data—making them indispensable during the data mapping and transition phase. Far from becoming obsolete, their institutional knowledge helps ensure continuity as the organization adopts Oracle Cloud HCM. In fact, some organizations operate PeopleSoft and Cloud HCM side by side during the transition, making dual-skilled employees even more valuable.
The key takeaway: Cloud adoption doesn’t reduce the need for knowledgeable staff—it reshapes their responsibilities. Functional experts become Cloud-savvy business partners, while IT professionals shift from maintaining infrastructure to innovating with integrations and automation. Organizations that proactively invest in training and upskilling their teams are best positioned to maximize the value of their Cloud HCM investment.
Embracing a New Update Model: From Manual to Automatic
Another major difference between PeopleSoft and Oracle Cloud HCM is how updates and new features are delivered. In the traditional on-premises model, updates are complex, requiring meticulous planning. IT teams schedule downtime, perform testing, and coordinate across departments to ensure a successful deployment. As a result, many organizations delay updates—often implementing them once a year or less—despite PeopleSoft releasing updates three times annually.
Oracle Cloud HCM simplifies this with a modern, automated update model. Updates are applied four times a year, giving customers regular access to the latest features, enhancements, and security improvements. While there is some flexibility in the timing of updates within the release window, opting out entirely is not possible. This ensures that all users are consistently working on the most current version of the platform.
This shift aligns with how today’s users experience technology in their daily lives. Think of smartphone updates: they arrive automatically, introduce new features, and enhance security—all without requiring users to manage the process manually. Oracle Cloud HCM operates the same way, delivering continuous innovation in a seamless, predictable fashion.
While this model requires a cultural shift—especially for organizations used to large, infrequent updates—it ultimately reduces the operational burden on IT and provides end users with a more dynamic, modern experience. Functional teams no longer need to “cherry-pick” features or wait for major upgrades. Instead, new capabilities are gradually integrated into everyday workflows, helping organizations stay current and agile.
Conclusion: A Strategic Shift That Requires the Right People
Migrating from PeopleSoft to Oracle Cloud HCM isn’t just about moving systems—it’s about transforming how your teams work. The Cloud changes everything from system management to staffing models, demanding a proactive approach to reskilling and collaboration. IT professionals get the chance to grow their capabilities in modern integration and development tools, while functional experts transition into vital roles as Cloud business partners.
With automatic updates and continuous innovation built into the Cloud model, organizations must also embrace a more agile and forward-looking mindset. Those who do will not only reduce their IT maintenance burden but also empower their teams to drive greater business value from Oracle Cloud HCM.
Learn More
Watch the full interview with Robbin Velayedam, available on the Quest Oracle Community YouTube channel!
To further your knowledge and networking, view the resources available on the PeopleSoft Move to Cloud Strategic Content Center, join the PeopleSoft Move to Cloud Community Group, and register for an upcoming discussion series session.