Oracle announced a key
offering in the company’s portfolio of "big data" technology, the NoSQL
database, which is available for download via the Oracle Technology Network. The
NoSQL database enables customers to manage large amounts of data with dynamic
schemas such as Web log data, sensor and smart meter data, data gathered for
personalization and data maintained by social networks.
With a key-value data model,
the scalable database facilitates storage of data in a flexible format, and is
suited for the development and deployment of applications. In addition, Oracle
will also deliver a newly engineered system, the Oracle Big Data Appliance,
that is an optimized platform for running the Oracle NoSQL Database and
Oracle’s other big data offerings. The Oracle Big Data Appliance will ship in
the first quarter of 2012, the company said.
“Oracle NoSQL Database is a
key component of Oracle’s big data strategy,” said Andrew Mendelsohn, senior
vice president of Oracle server technologies. “As customers look to manage the
huge explosion in data from new and evolving sources, such as Web, sensors,
social networks and mobile applications, Oracle is helping them unlock the
value of this data by providing a highly available, reliable and scalable NoSQL
database environment.”
Oracle also announced that
it has entered into an agreement to acquire RightNow Technologies, a provider
of cloud-based customer service, for $43 per share, or approximately $1.5
billion net of RightNow's cash and debt. RightNow's Customer Service Cloud
helps organizations deliver customer experiences across call centers, the Web
and social networks.
"Oracle is moving
aggressively to offer customers a full range of cloud solutions, including sales-force
automation, human resources, talent management, social networking, databases
and Java as part of the Oracle Public Cloud," said Thomas Kurian,
executive vice president of Oracle development. "RightNow's leading
customer service cloud is a very important addition to Oracle's Public
Cloud."
The transaction is expected
to close by late 2011 or early 2012, subject to RightNow stockholder approval,
certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The board of directors of RightNow Technologies has unanimously approved the transaction.
"RightNow’s products add leading customer experience capabilities that help
empower companies to interact with and provide a consistent experience to
customers across channels," said Greg Gianforte, CEO of RightNow. "We
look forward to combining our complementary capabilities along with maintaining
and expanding our presence in Bozeman, Montana, in order to better service our
customers."
Cloud Computing 
