Microsoft takes on Oracle

MICROSOFT WILL REPORTEDLY begin adapting SQL servers to support hundreds of terabytes of data.

The server extensions are based on technology acquired from Datallegro, a developer of large-volume data warehouse appliances. According to the Vole, Datallegro's products will allow it to surpass Oracle's capabilities and compete with other high-end enterprise data warehousing solutions.

The Redmond giant plans to initially offer community technology previews and expects to begin distribution of a commercial version by the first half of 2010. Microsoft will also retain the majority of Datallegro's staff at its headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California.

The Datallegro v3 warehouse appliance is currently priced at under $500,000 for 12 terabytes and includes hardware, rack, networking and a 15TB capacity backup server. The unit, which is capable scanning data at up to 10.5TB/minute, utilises EMC storage, Dell servers, Cisco Infiniband switches, Intel multi-core CPUs and the Ingres Open Source database.

Author: Aharon Etengoff @ www.theinquirer.net

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Oracle eyes bigger share at Gitex

Oracle, the world’s largest enterprise software company said it will showcase the continued evolution of Oracle Database 11g, industry-leading Oracle Fusion Middleware, and its comprehensive industry solutions at Gitex 2008.

Oracle has more than a decade of leadership as the largest exhibitor at Gitex.

It said one of the fastest areas of growth for the company in the Middle East region is the expanding market for industry-specific solutions. Oracle is expecting a record number of visitors to meet with its executives in areas of financial services, retail, telecommunications, government, energy and transportation organisations at Oracle World in Hall 5 at Gitex.

"One of the fundamental benefits of being the vendor with the largest exhibition space at Gitex 2008 is that Oracle World enables us to demonstrate that we have a software solution for every business need, from our database and middleware platform, through our business applications which reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction, to our industry-specific solutions and expertise. The fast-moving, dynamic nature of today's marketplace means that companies need IT solutions to allow them to adapt quickly to keep pace with changing business needs," said Dana Murugan, senior marketing director for Oracle in the Middle East and Africa.

Visitors to Oracle World will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of Oracle’s customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, as well as get a closer look at the Oracle E-Business Suite and the most recent enhancements to Oracle’s business intelligence and software development solutions.

"Gitex is the marquee IT exhibition for Oracle in the Middle East and is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise in Middleware solutions. The Middle East is a significant market for Oracle and we will continue to invest in this thriving region while introducing new, cutting-edge solutions to meet the demands of customers in any and every industry," he added.

Source: TradeArabia News Service

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Oracle to post results as analysts advise caution

Oracle Corp. is expected to post gains in its first-quarter profit and sales when it reports results for the traditionally weak period after the market's close Thursday, even as Wall Street analysts have warned that a poor economy may be hindering the business software giant.

Analysts on average expect Oracle to post earnings excluding special items for the period ended in August of 26 cents a share, on $5.45 billion in revenue, according to FactSet Research.
That compares to earnings excluding special items of 22 cents a share, and $4.53 billion in revenue in the same period a year earlier.
Wall Street analysts have generally sounded cautious about Oracle's stock recently. Oracle shares have dipped nearly 20% in the past month. The shares rose slightly Thursday, to close at $19.35.
Credit Suisse analyst Philip Winslow wrote in a note to clients earlier this week that he expects a "difficult first quarter" for Oracle, "due to a sluggish application business, disruption in sales due to sales re-organization, as well as foreign currency headwinds."
Oracle, historically a powerhouse in database software, has more recently used a string of acquisitions to construct a formidable line of software applications for businesses.
That's drawn it into more direct competition with German rival SAP AG, while providing new potential sources of revenue.

In its first fiscal quarter last year, Oracle posted surprisingly strong growth in the sale of new software application licenses, helping boost its stock price.

Citigroup analyst Brent Thill wrote in a recent research note that Oracle's flagging share price recently is due to low expectations for the company's first-quarter license revenue growth.
"Despite a strong [fourth quarter] backlog, we believe [the first quarter] lived up to its difficult reputation," Thill wrote.
Still, Thill wrote that while Oracle may issue conservative guidance for its current, second quarter, if that guidance is in the "low to mid-teen" range, "the stock could rally."

Author: John Letzing @ MarketWatch.com

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