Editor's note
As Oracle tries to become a bigger factor in the cloud, the company has rebuilt its cloud computing strategy on a core set of technology pillars -- a move it highlighted at Oracle OpenWorld 2018.
The technologies that underpin Oracle's cloud push include Oracle Autonomous Database, which is designed to automate database administration tasks; a cloud infrastructure that promises strong security protections; and business applications with embedded AI and machine learning capabilities. Autonomous Database and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure are the key elements in the company's Gen 2 Cloud platform, while the applications offer a full SaaS suite for ERP, CRM and supply chain processes.
Whether Oracle can convince large numbers of users to buy into its cloud isn't clear. The company lags behind AWS, Microsoft and Google in the cloud platform market, partly a result of it initially being slow off the mark in embracing the cloud. Oracle is still scrambling to make up for lost time. As part of its effort to do so, it's trying to position Gen 2 Cloud as a "second-generation cloud" that's better suited for data-intensive enterprise uses than rival platforms are -- a contention that Larry Ellison, the vendor's executive chairman and CTO, emphasized during his opening day keynote at Oracle OpenWorld 2018.
The conference took place Oct. 22 to 25 in San Francisco. This guide compiles our coverage from OpenWorld 2018, plus news and analysis of related Oracle technology developments prior to the conference. You'll also find advice on managing migrations of Oracle systems to the cloud.
1New functionality for Oracle's business applications
Oracle's cloud strategy depends not only on its flagship database software, but also on its lines of business applications. As a result, the company's heightened focus on AI and automation includes new capabilities for its ERP, HR, finance and CRM software. The stories in this section detail and analyze steps by Oracle to incorporate automated features into those applications, including the addition of new technologies at Oracle OpenWorld 2018.
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Article
Oracle aims new AI and blockchain apps at core ERP processes
New Oracle AI tools and chatbots apply intelligent process automation and machine learning to finance, supply chain and HR workflows. Four blockchain applications also target supply chain uses. Read Now
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Podcast
OpenWorld agenda includes Oracle's case for intelligent ERP
In this podcast, TechTarget editors covering OpenWorld 2018 discuss Oracle's delivery of AI technologies designed to make its ERP software and other enterprise applications more intelligent. Listen Now
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Article
Oracle pitches CX Unity software to consolidate customer data
Oracle is developing a tool called CX Unity to pull together data from all of its Customer Experience (CX) Cloud applications, plus new software for managing sales of subscription-based products. Read Now
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Article
Hurd: Business applications move toward full suites, AI tools
At OpenWorld 2018, Oracle Co-CEO Mark Hurd said he sees the applications market gravitating toward combined suites of front- and back-office software with embedded AI functionality. Read Now
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Article
CX Cloud gets AI help to boost customer experience management
Oracle incorporated a set of AI and analytics tools into its CX Cloud service, giving users new advanced data analysis functionality to aid marketing, sales and customer service efforts. Read Now
2Oracle cloud deployment trends, examples and advice
Cloud technologies have become Oracle's primary calling card with users, so it isn't surprising that cloud migration was front and center on the Oracle OpenWorld 2018 agenda. For many organizations, moving on-premises Oracle databases and applications that power critical business operations to the cloud is a big step -- one that IT teams need to properly plan and execute. The items in this section offer tips on how to manage Oracle cloud migrations from experienced users and Oracle consultants.