Oracle APEX is a modern platform for building web applications. It runs in the browser (no installation required) and uses the Oracle database. It's low-code—easier and cheaper to develop than traditional programming.

Yes. With an Oracle Database license, you can use APEX at no additional cost.

Unfortunately no. The automated process is hampered by several reasons:

1. A Forms Program Unit is a combination of conditions, authentications, processes & validations. APEX requires these to be split out into clearly defined logical areas.
2. A Forms Program Unit contains Forms-specific PL/SQL, for example the SYNCHRONIZE command. These have no APEX equivalents.
3. Applications rebuilt in APEX will inherently look and function differently, requiring manual adjustment.

However, our developers can use AI Forms to APEX Assistant to speed up the conversion of the above-mentioned conditions, commands, interfaces, etc., making the whole process semi-automated.

It depends on your particular circumstances. A small system (10-20 Forms) takes a few months. A medium system (50-100 Forms) takes 6-12 months. A large system (several hundred Forms) takes years. However, we do it module by module and you don't have to wait until the end to start using new components.

We will provide you with an accurate estimate based on a combination of statistical, AI, and human analysis, along with extensive experience with past projects.

You can, and you will get some new features and an extended support window. However, even the latest version of Oracle Forms isn’t as modern and future-proof as Oracle APEX. You’ll inevitably miss out on some of the features and possibilities. 

Moreover, if you stay on Forms, you’ll still need to pay licensing fees, whereas APEX is something you already own as part of your Oracle DB license (and, as such, it doesn’t incur additional costs). Moving to APEX simply makes more sense, especially since upgrading from older Oracle Forms to the newer version will also require time and resources.

Clients often ask us to perform a one-to-one UI conversion of the Forms to APEX in the belief that this is quicker to perform. This is a false belief, as it’s much faster for APEX developers to utilize the modern, responsive design of the Universal Theme using native APEX components. Getting APEX to mimic the nuances of Oracle Forms is time-consuming and tedious. Moreover, the outcomes are usually inferior.

In addition, Oracle Forms users take advantage of keyboard control, with the function keys F1-F12 being utilized. This does not typically translate to web applications. 

Finally, the designs of a legacy application were fine 20 years ago, but nowadays, many more web components can be utilized within the APEX framework. Therefore, this may be the ideal opportunity for a fresh makeover.

Oracle has prepared a questionnaire to help you decide.

A Forms to APEX migration fits well because:

• The DB can be totally reused, including all server-side code
• PL/SQL is at the heart of both applications
• Forms developers can be reskilled in APEX following Learning Paths

When deciding on an alternative to APEX, do consider:

• The existing skillset of the development team
• The investment already made in the DB
• Long-term technology strategy of your organization
• Integration requirements with other systems and technologies
• Performance and scalability needs of the application
• Budget constraints and total cost of ownership
• Desired level of vendor independence