Sybase Wins Major Contract Over Oracle and Informix with Time Warner Communications

Strategic Insights -

Time Warner Communications, a division of Time Warner Cable, has selected Sybase as the foundation for its new telephony operations and company-wide enterprise client/server information systems. This strategic win for Sybase marks a significant expansion of its position in the RDBMS market, surpassing competitors Oracle and Informix. The contract, valued at several million dollars over the next three years, will see Sybase providing product and consulting services to Time Warner Communications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Time Warner Communications, a division of Time Warner Cable, has standardized on Sybase relational database for its new telephony operations and company-wide enterprise client/server information systems.
  • Sybase's technology will create a platform to run Time Warner's new telephone operations based on its existing cable franchises, competing with local telephone companies nationwide.
  • The Sybase architecture will allow Time Warner to integrate data for cable services, telephone, and business services, as well as serve as the basis for Time Warner's Full Service Network providing multimedia consumer services.
  • Time Warner Communications will receive several million dollars in product and consulting services over the next three years.
  • This announcement reinforces Sybase's position of technological leadership in the RDBMS market.
  • Time Warner relies heavily on Sybase, having previously implemented a variety of Sybase database products, including SYBASE SQL Server, Replication Server, Open Server, and Open Client.
  • The Sybase system translates into immediate competitive advantage for Time Warner, allowing it to operate on a technically advanced, flexible, and low-cost system.
  • Mohammad Fahim, Director of Information Systems and Services at Time Warner Communications, states that Sybase's scalable, open architecture is well-suited for the distributed computing requirements of Time Warner's operating division.

Statistics:

  • Time Warner Cable has 11.5 million home subscribers.
  • Time Warner's annual revenues are $15.9 billion.
  • Time Warner Communications' contract with Sybase is valued at several million dollars over the next three years.
  • Time Warner has previously implemented a variety of Sybase database products, including SYBASE SQL Server, Replication Server, Open Server, and Open Client.
  • Time Warner's new telephone operations will compete with local telephone companies nationwide.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Sybase Secures Major Contract with Time Warner Communications" (March 7, 1995)
  • Sybase Press Release, "Sybase, Inc."