In a significant move for the cloud computing industry, Oracle and Google Cloud have announced a groundbreaking partner program that marks a first in the sector. This collaboration, detailed in a recent press release, introduces new capabilities for Oracle Database@Google Cloud, including the upcoming availability of Oracle Base Database Service and support for Oracle Exadata X11M. Additionally, Oracle Interconnect for Google Cloud is now available for U.S. Government customers, enhancing connectivity and integration between Oracle and Google Cloud services. This partnership is set to expand with 11 new regions planned within the next year, responding to growing customer demand for Oracle’s cloud services on Google’s infrastructure [Oracle and Google Cloud Announce Industry-First Partner Program].
Oracle and Google Cloud Partnership
The newly announced partner program between Oracle and Google Cloud is designed to allow both companies’ partners to offer Oracle Database@Google Cloud to their customers. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it’s the first time such an arrangement has been made available through the Google Cloud Marketplace. The program will be open to partners who are members of both the Google Cloud Partner Advantage program and the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), facilitating transactions exclusively through Google Cloud credits [Oracle and Google Cloud Announce Industry-First Partner Program].
Oracle’s Senior Vice President, Karan Batta, highlighted the significance of this development, stating that the reseller program is a milestone in the partnership between Oracle and Google Cloud. The Oracle Base Database Service, set to be available soon in a limited preview, will offer automated database lifecycle management, low-code application development, and scalable compute and storage resources with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. This service aims to cater to varying workload demands effectively [Oracle and Google Cloud Announce Industry-First Partner Program].
New Capabilities and Regional Expansion
Oracle Database@Google Cloud is set to see enhancements with the addition of Oracle Exadata X11M support, promising significant performance improvements across AI, analytics, and online transaction processing (OLTP). This upgrade not only boosts performance but also provides customers with the flexibility to deploy Oracle Database across various environments, including on-premises, hybrid cloud, public cloud, and multicloud setups [Oracle and Google Cloud Announce Industry-First Partner Program].
For U.S. Government customers, Oracle Interconnect for Google Cloud now offers scalable, high-bandwidth connectivity between Oracle U.S. Government Cloud East (Ashburn) and Google Cloud for U.S. Government Virginia (Ashburn) regions. This connectivity is crucial for integrating government applications deployed in Google Cloud with Oracle’s services, thereby leveraging unique capabilities from both cloud providers [Oracle and Google Cloud Announce Industry-First Partner Program].
To meet increasing demand, Oracle and Google Cloud plan to expand their geographical reach, adding new regions in Melbourne, Sydney, and Turin, among others, within the next 12 months. This expansion also includes plans to double datacenter capacity in key regions like London, Frankfurt, and Ashburn [Oracle and Google Cloud Announce Industry-First Partner Program].
Oracle’s Cloud Security and Data Management
In a separate development, Oracle has faced scrutiny following an intrusion into its public cloud services. Initially, Oracle denied any security breach, but later acknowledged that data from two obsolete servers was accessed and stolen. This incident has raised concerns about the security of Oracle’s cloud infrastructure and its communication with customers. The stolen data, which included usernames and hashed passwords, was offered for sale on a cybercrime forum. Oracle has since engaged CrowdStrike to address the issue and is reportedly working with the FBI on the matter [Oracle says its cloud was in fact compromised, The Reg translates the letter in which Oracle kinda-sorta tells customers it was pwned].
Despite these security concerns, Oracle continues to innovate in other areas. The company is leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance operational efficiency across various industries. For instance, Oracle’s data platform is being used to improve vegetation management strategies in the energy and water sectors. By employing advanced image processing and AI techniques, Oracle aims to provide detailed insights into vegetation conditions, which can help utilities manage risks more effectively [How AI powered data insights can help improve vegetation management].
Oracle’s Broader Initiatives
Oracle’s efforts extend beyond cloud partnerships and security. The company is also focusing on enhancing manufacturing operational efficiency through advanced analytics. By analyzing data from various systems, Oracle helps manufacturers optimize production schedules, improve product quality, and drive energy efficiency, thereby enhancing overall sustainability [Drive manufacturing operational efficiency and performance].
In the financial services sector, Oracle is working to improve risk calculations and regulatory reporting. The complexity of regulatory requirements has increased the burden on financial firms, and Oracle’s solutions aim to automate data quality checks and eliminate data silos, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of regulatory submissions [Improve risk calculations and regulatory reporting].
Oracle is also contributing to the open-source community with the Leapp project, which provides in-place upgrades for OpenELA-compatible systems. This initiative, supported by major players like Oracle, CIQ, and SUSE, aims to simplify the upgrade process for enterprise Linux users, addressing challenges posed by changes in core frameworks like SELinux and systemd [Leapp Open Source Project Provides In-Place Upgrades for OpenELA-Compatible Systems].
Leadership and Innovation at Oracle
Oracle’s leadership continues to drive innovation across its various business segments. Sonny Singh, Executive Vice President of Oracle Financial Services, oversees a wide range of functions, including product strategy and customer service, with a focus on the financial services industry. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding Oracle’s offerings in banking, insurance, and capital markets [Sonny Singh].
Similarly, Han Chung Heng, Senior Vice President for Oracle Asia Pacific and Japan, is responsible for the hardware and engineered systems business, as well as the Alliances, Channels, and ISV organization. His focus on transformational technologies like AI and machine learning, along with his commitment to sustainable development, underscores Oracle’s broader strategic direction [Han Chung Heng].
Key Takeaways
The partnership between Oracle and Google Cloud marks a significant development in the cloud computing industry, offering new capabilities and expanding regional availability. Oracle’s focus on enhancing its cloud services, coupled with its efforts to improve operational efficiency and data management across various sectors, highlights its commitment to innovation. However, recent security concerns underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Oracle’s leadership continues to drive the company forward, with initiatives spanning from financial services to open-source contributions, ensuring that Oracle remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
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