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The RCO Strategy is a three-level architecture, consisting of components, reusable content objects, and topics. These three levels form a hierarchical relationship: components make up content objects, and content objects make up topics.

This division of content and the attributes attached to each level allow for maximum reuse, particularly across training and performance support contexts. Other parts of the system include a database to store these objects, a management system, a browser-based end user interface, and authoring tools.

Oracle plans to implement the RCO Strategy in two phases: Phase 1, Topics and Topic Groups, and Phase 2, Reusable Content Objects and Components.

The first phase includes granularity at the level of topics and topic groups—the level of a single instructional or performance support objective.

The second phase adds reusable content objects and components. Content objects will support increased reusability and allow the creation of true embedded performance support.

This two-phased approach will allow a smooth transition of both technology and content creation methodologies. Phase 1 will be implemented in the next release of the Oracle Learning Architecture with Phase 2 to follow six to nine months later. The APIs are under development for release in the coming months.

The RCO Strategy consists largely of a set of database attribute definitions for a content objects “warehouse” or database such as the LearningBase™. In addition to these specified attributes this warehouse must also store or reference the objects themselves.

Objects may contain text, graphics, audio, video, or binary executable files.

The strategy envisions a variety of client applications from different vendors that can connect to the database. Client applications may be specifically designed for student access, content development, or administration, or may be established applications extended to recognize the RCO API.

Oracle will develop products based on these entities: To store and manage topics and content objects, Oracle will offer the LearningBase™. To access training topics in the system, Oracle will offer the Learning Agent™. These products will be part of the Oracle Learning Architecture.

However, since this is an open standard, Oracle's implementation will be only one possibility. A series of open APIs will be defined to specify how these various entities communicate with one another. Any product from any vendor that uses these APIs can be used as part of the system. To assemble a complete system, an organization will be able to choose the products that best meet its needs.