Oracle and Sun Unveil Partnership to Challenge Microsoft's Operating System Dominance

Strategic Insights -

Oracle Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. are planning to announce a pact to sell new business computers that aim to blunt Microsoft's operating software dominance. The partnership, set to be unveiled today, will integrate Oracle's database software with Sun's computers to enable employees to access computer files using devices that don't require Microsoft's operating system. Instead, the new database program will rely on a kernel, a tiny part of an operating system. This move is the latest attempt to curb demand for Microsoft's operating system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oracle and Sun are partnering to develop new business computers that can access computer files without requiring Microsoft's operating system, using Oracle's database software and Sun's computers.
  • The new computers will utilize a kernel, a small part of an operating system, instead of the full operating system.
  • Oracle's database software will hold various types of data, including email, text files, and accounting information.
  • This partnership aims to reduce the need for smaller servers loaded with Windows NT, promoting a shift away from Microsoft's operating system.
  • Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison previously attempted to promote network computers, $500 devices without hard drives, but the pitch failed due to a recent plunge in PC prices.
  • The new computers will allow users to access information from various terminal devices, including network computers and handheld gadgets.

Statistics:

  • Oracle is the No. 1 maker of database software.
  • Sun is a major maker of powerful business computers competing with machines running on Microsoft's Windows NT.
  • Three years ago, Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison launched an attempt to promote network computers.
  • PC prices have recently experienced a significant plunge.

Sources:

  • "Oracle Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc., escalating their challenge to Microsoft Corp., plan to announce today a pact to sell new business computers that try to blunt the dominance of Microsoft's operating software": The Associated Press.
  • "More and more people want to be able to get to information from anything," Richard Doherty, a Long Island consultant familiar with the announcement, said Sunday: The Associated Press.
  • "And that means from an increasing number of terminal devices, network computers - even handheld" gadgets, Richard Doherty said: The Associated Press.