For more than two decades, Robbin Velayedam helped shape the PeopleSoft HCM product, fostering strong customer relationships and ultimately leading product strategy and development. His 23-year journey within the PeopleSoft team gave him invaluable insights into how businesses were using PeopleSoft, what they needed from the platform, and where their roadmaps were headed. More recently, as PeopleSoft customers began to evaluate Cloud solutions as part of their HCM solutions strategy, Robbin saw an opportunity to help customers bridge the gap with PeopleSoft to HCM Cloud support and guidance.

The Shift to Oracle Cloud HCM: A Key Turning Point

In response to growing interest from customers on how to transition to Oracle Cloud, Robbin made a significant career move—joining the Oracle Cloud HCM product strategy team. With the support of his colleagues, Paco Aubrejuan and Yvette Cameron, he transitioned into a new role to help PeopleSoft customers navigate their Cloud journey with confidence.

“I realized I couldn’t do that from the Peoplesoft side of the house,” said Robbin. “If I was going to really learn about the Cloud product and how it could benefit Peoplesoft customers, I needed to be on the Cloud side.”

Since late 2024, Robbin has immersed himself in Oracle Cloud applications, developing the knowledge necessary to guide organizations through this pivotal transition. The creation of Robbin’s new role signals Oracle’s continued commitment to supporting PeopleSoft customers and ensuring they have access to the right resources and expertise for a seamless move to Cloud.

Should You Move to the Cloud? A Practical Perspective

For PeopleSoft customers wondering whether they should transition to Cloud, Robbin’s advice is clear: there’s no immediate need. Thanks to Oracle’s Apps Unlimited premier support policy, PeopleSoft customers will continue receiving support through at least 2035, offering a sense of security for businesses reliant on their on-premise systems.

“There isn’t a need to move. I want to make that very clear,” emphasized Robbin. “But probably the better question is, should you move?”
While PeopleSoft remains a reliable solution with significant modernization capabilities, transitioning to Cloud comes with undeniable advantages. One of the primary benefits is the pace of innovation. In Oracle Cloud, updates happen automatically—meaning businesses always have access to the latest features and bug fixes. This contrasts with the traditional on-premise model, where updates must be manually managed and applied, often resulting in delays or missed opportunities for new capabilities.

Furthermore, Cloud applications offer seamless quarterly updates, helping organizations stay current with minimal effort, while PeopleSoft customers must proactively adopt updates. Over time, these delayed upgrades can become complex and time-consuming. Cloud’s continuous stream of innovations eliminates this challenge, keeping businesses ahead of the curve with minimal effort.

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology

Another powerful reason to move to Cloud is the ability to leverage the latest technologies, like generative AI. Oracle’s Cloud HCM is integrating AI-driven tools to assist with everyday tasks like job requisitions, performance reviews, and succession planning. This level of intelligence and automation is something that PeopleSoft will not be developing, making it crucial for businesses to assess whether their current platform will continue to meet their future needs as AI becomes an increasingly integral part of enterprise applications.

The Shift to Cloud HCM: Key Drivers

Several motivations are driving organizations to transition from PeopleSoft to Oracle Cloud HCM. While every company’s journey is unique, the most common drivers include:

• Access to Modern Technology: Cloud applications offer continuous delivery of new features, eliminating long upgrade cycles and ensuring businesses can stay ahead with cutting-edge capabilities in areas like talent management and workforce development.
• Reducing Operational Burdens: Managing on-premise applications requires significant resources, from maintaining hardware to managing updates. With Oracle Cloud HCM, businesses can offload the responsibility of system maintenance to Oracle, freeing up IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.
• Declining Availability of Skilled PeopleSoft Professionals: As the pool of PeopleSoft experts shrinks due to retirements and a lack of new professionals entering the field, organizations are increasingly finding it difficult to maintain legacy systems. Cloud provides long-term sustainability with a growing ecosystem of support.
• Alignment with Digital Transformation Goals: Many organizations are aligning their HR strategies with broader digital transformation initiatives, making the shift to Cloud HCM not just an IT decision but a business-wide strategy aimed at driving efficiency and innovation.

Unlocking the Benefits of Cloud HCM

PeopleSoft organizations making the move to Oracle Cloud HCM are already reaping the rewards. One of the key benefits they report is the ability to access new features immediately, without the need for complex IT updates. Unlike traditional systems, where applying patches and staying current requires dedicated IT resources, Cloud HCM ensures enhancements are available as soon as they’re released—letting businesses focus on utilizing the new features rather than worrying about the technical logistics of implementation.

Cloud HCM is also transforming workforce management. Instead of IT teams spending time maintaining software, organizations can shift their focus to higher-value initiatives, such as implementing new talent review tools and recruitment strategies. Leveraging embedded AI within Cloud HCM has also become a game-changer, enhancing the employee experience and giving businesses a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.

Staffing Model Differences: PeopleSoft vs. Cloud HCM

As PeopleSoft organizations transition to Oracle Cloud HCM, they must adapt their staffing models. While Coud applications eliminate the need for on-premises hardware and software management, IT teams still play a critical role in ensuring smooth integrations and ongoing operations. These teams will gain expertise in modern Cloud technologies, working with tools like Oracle’s Fusion technology and open-source integrations.

On the functional side, employees with deep PeopleSoft knowledge will continue to be invaluable. Their understanding of existing processes and data structures will be essential for mapping data from PeopleSoft to Cloud HCM. These employees typically evolve into Oracle Cloud specialists, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition as organizations move to Cloud.

Key Differences Between PeopleSoft On-Premises and Cloud HCM

One of the most significant differences between PeopleSoft on-premises and Cloud HCM is how updates are delivered. PeopleSoft users typically apply updates once a year or every 15 months, despite Oracle releasing new updates three times annually. In contrast, Cloud HCM operates on an automatic quarterly update cycle, ensuring that customers always have access to the latest features with minimal disruption. This shift from large, infrequent updates to continuous, smaller improvements helps organizations stay current and competitive.

The Path Forward: Choosing the Right Cloud Option

One of the most common questions organizations ask when considering a move to Oracle Cloud HCM is, “How long will it take?” While it’s tempting to look for a definitive answer, the reality is that the timeline depends on multiple factors, including the organization’s current systems, level of customization, future vision, and team size.

PeopleSoft customers have several options when considering a cloud strategy. While many are familiar with the idea of transitioning to Oracle Cloud Applications, another option is running PeopleSoft on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). This option allows organizations to maintain their PeopleSoft environment while shifting infrastructure management to Oracle, reducing manual efforts and improving system reliability.

Oracle offers flexibility—whether you want to remain on PeopleSoft long-term, move to OCI, or transition fully to Cloud applications, the decision is yours. However, forward-thinking organizations recognize the importance of planning ahead. By understanding all available options now, businesses can ensure a smoother path to Cloud when the time comes.

Preparing for a Smooth Cloud Transition

If you’re considering a future move to Cloud, preparation is key. Even if migration is years away, taking proactive steps today can set your organization up for success. Robbin recommends keeping your PeopleSoft environment current and staying informed about cloud advancements. By regularly reviewing new features, assessing PeopleSoft customizations, and engaging with Oracle, you’ll be in a strong position to make a seamless transition when the time is right.

In Conclusion

As PeopleSoft customers explore their options for the future, Oracle Cloud is becoming an increasingly attractive choice. With continuous innovation, reduced IT burdens, and access to transformative technologies, Cloud offers organizations the opportunity to modernize their HR processes and remain competitive in the years ahead. By staying informed, planning strategically, and embracing the benefits of the cloud, businesses can position themselves for long-term success.

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.