I am a big fan of RIA, Flex, and Flash UIs in general. So, why do I feel that the flash-based version of Oracle MetaLink sucks? Here is a quick top 5:

1. I usually develop on a machine other than my own: using remote desktop with anything flash-based is fairly useless in my experience. Waiting for animations to refresh on the screen is dreadful.
2. I have more problems. I can’t say I liked the UI of the old MetaLink, but my experience was consistent and stable.
3. I end up having to log-in more with the Flash version…rarely, but randomly…while I am using the site actively.
4. My head hurts with everything going on in the new MetaLink
5. Did I mention my head hurts? I need to go.

Note: I hope to start liking the new MetaLink soon. I realize the old one is going away at some point, so I better get on board, but I do hope Oracle comes up with a “MetaLink light” offering, with minimal movement and a stripped down interface (spelled “the existing/old MetaLink”).

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Update - although Oracle did release the Flash-based MetaLink (and I have gotten more accustomed to it, by the way), there is indeed still access to a non-Flash version of MetaLink:

http://supporthtml.oracle.com

I meant to update the post a while back; thanks for commenting and reminding me ssu.

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