Oracle Expands Internet Distribution Strategy with CompuServe Partnership

Strategic Insights -

Oracle Corp. has formed a strategic partnership with CompuServe Information Service to distribute its Workgroup/2000 product family to CompuServe's 3.2 million members. This move is part of Oracle's pioneering strategy to distribute fully functional software via the Internet, which began in January 1995. Under the agreement, CompuServe members can download fully functional 90-day free trial copies of Personal Oracle7 Enterprise Edition and Oracle Power Objects by typing 'GO ORACLE.' Oracle's Workgroup/2000 family is a software suite that combines powerful technology with ease-of-use and a low price-point required for workgroup computing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oracle has partnered with CompuServe to distribute its Workgroup/2000 product family to CompuServe's 3.2 million members.
  • The agreement allows CompuServe members to download fully functional 90-day free trial copies of Personal Oracle7 Enterprise Edition and Oracle Power Objects.
  • Oracle's Workgroup/2000 family is a software suite that combines powerful technology with ease-of-use and a low price-point required for workgroup computing.
  • The Internet has been an ideal medium for sharing information and facilitating direct interaction between Oracle and its users according to Marc Benioff, vice president of Oracle's Client/Server Systems Division.
  • Oracle Power Objects is a highly graphical, object-based development tool that enables rapid creation of next-generation client/server applications.
  • A free 90-day trial version of Oracle Power Objects is scheduled to be available for downloading from CompuServe next month.
  • Oracle's Desktop Database, Personal Oracle7 Enterprise Edition, is available on CompuServe for a free 90-day trial, with a US price of $595 for the full version.
  • Oracle Power Objects is priced in the US at $395 (Standard Edition) and $1,995 (Client/Server Edition)

Statistics:

  • Oracle's Workgroup/2000 family of products has had nearly two million hits on its Internet server site since its introduction.
  • Over 60,000 downloads for product evaluations have occurred since the introduction of Oracle's Workgroup/2000 family of products.
  • Oracle's Workgroup/2000 family is available at Oracle's site on the World Wide Web.
  • CompuServe has 3.2 million members accessing the service from 150 countries.
  • Oracle is the world's second-largest software company, with a US-listed market capitalization of $3 billion.
  • Oracle offers its database, tools, and application products along with related consulting, education, and support services in more than 90 countries.

Sources:

  • Oracle Corp.
  • CompuServe Information Service
  • H&R Block (NYSE: HR)
  • Applied Communications Corp.