Oracle dives deeper into Linux

Oracle is diving deeper into the Linux pool.

Redwood Shores, California-based Oracle announced today that it is forming partnerships with four vendors who specialize in Linux operating systems. The news comes on the heels of Oracle's recent announcement that it is developing Linux compatible versions of its Oracle 8 database and its application package.

Oracle is developing marketing and technology partnerships with U.S.-based Red Hat Software and VA Research, Europe and North America-based SuSE, and Japanese firm Pacific HiTech. All four develop software for the Linux market.

Linux is a derivative of the Unix-based operating system that uses freely distributed source code so that users can easily mold and customize the software to meet their needs.

Linux, which now has about 7 million users, was invented eight years ago by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki. It has since spread as an alternative to the proprietary Unix operating systems and to Microsoft's Windows NT operating system. Linux, by many accounts, is now the fastest growing Unix platform.

"The response to our recent decision to support Linux was a collective sigh of relief from developers worldwide who are looking for a low-cost alternative to Windows NT," said Mark Jarvis, Oracle's senior vice president of worldwide marketing. "With such obvious momentum behind our upcoming Linux database, we decided to go even further and commit significant resources to the existing developer infrastructure where Red Hat, VA Research, Pacifick HiTech, and SuSE are already playing such a vital part."

Oracle is developing Linux compatible versions of its Oracle 8 database and its applications package. Shipment of Oracle 8 on Linux for Intel platform is expected by the end of the year. The applications are expected to follow in the first quarter of 1999.

Oracle also announced today two new front office applications, the Oracle Call Center and Telephony Suite, and the Oracle Customer Care Contact Center will be available by the end of the month. Oracle is also currently integrating technology from the recently acquired Versatility into the applications which will be released at a later date.