Oracle thinks grid with database update

Oracle will next month take the first steps toward a utility computing plan by adding "grid" capabilities in its database and application server software.

Oracle will unveil an update to its flagship database, renamed Oracle 10G, and its Oracle Application Server 10G at its OracleWorld customer conference in San Francisco next month. As part of the database overhaul, Oracle will update its Enterprise Manager database management software. The company declined to indicate when finished versions of the product would be delivered, except to say that it is beta testing the database with customers. Testing programs typically lasts several months to a year, which means that Oracle 10G will likely ship sometime in 2004.

Oracle is betting that, by adding grid capability to its database, it will gain an edge over database rivals IBM and Microsoft and make its software a natural choice for large businesses and service providers that offer utility computing.

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