11 Facts About Oracle

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Oracle is incredibly well known as a technological powerhouse that powers financial institutions, governments, as well as corporations. However, there is a pretty interesting backstory behind its business identity. Oracle has accomplished more than simply selling software; it has served the CIA in its early years, fought Google in court, and developed a pandemic response platform for the United States government. The following 11 facts will give you a completely different viewpoint, regardless of whether you are an IT professional, an interested business person, or an individual who has had an interest in what Oracle does.

1. Oracle's First Product Was For The CIA: It may appear like a scene from a spy film, however it is real. In the late 1970s, Oracle developed its first product for the Central Intelligence Agency. The goal of the "Oracle" project was to develop a relational database system. Both the name and the technology endured. Ultimately, that insignificant CIA contract served as the basis for one of the world's best-known database providers.

2. Oracle Database Was The First Commercial SQL Database: Oracle released the first commercial SQL-based relational database in 1979, ahead of all other companies. Oracle quickly introduced SQL to the public while IBM continued to maintain its database work in-house. Oracle had a huge advantage in the new field of data management thanks to this early action. Oracle is still one of the most prominent supporters of SQL, which is still the foundation of enterprise data systems years afterwards.

3. Oracle Almost Went Bankrupt in The Early 90s: Oracle's future appeared uncertain in 1990. Revenue overstatements and severe internal misunderstandings resulted from aggressive marketing methods. The business grew too rapidly and was in danger of going out of business. Stabilization required a complete organizational reorganization and the appointment of a new CFO. A lot of businesses would not have made it through such a failure, however Oracle did, and they emerged better.

4. Oracle Owns Java: When Oracle purchased Sun Microsystems in 2010, they gained authority over Java, one of the most popular programming languages worldwide, rather than just a handful of software tools. Oracle's management of Java has had an significant effect on the field of information technology, both positively and controversially (more on that below). Java drives every aspect from banking systems to Android applications.

5. Oracle Sued Google Over Java: Oracle filed a lawsuit against Google in 2010 after purchasing Java, alleging that Google had improperly licensed the usage of Java APIs in Android. The case proceeded to the United States Supreme Court and lasted for more than ten years. In the end, Google ended up winning in 2021 when the Court decided that its usage of Java APIs qualified to be a reasonable usage. However, the lawsuit started a heated discussion with regard to developer liberties and software copyrights that continues to exist strong in the present-day.

6. Oracle Developed Its Own Linux Distro: Oracle released Oracle Linux, a free and open-source distribution that is completely compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, in addition to its powerhouse database business. For what reason? Due to the fact that Oracle desired a reliable, powerful environment that was ideal for executing its own software stack. To guarantee continuity in each meal, envision it as a restaurant that grows its own supplies.

7. Oracle Owns MySQL: The same purchase of Sun Microsystems? It introduced MySQL, the most widely used open-source database worldwide, to Oracle in addition to Java. Although numerous individuals in the open-source community are uneasy about this ownership, Oracle has kept MySQL maintained and supported (although with a challenge from forks like MariaDB).

8. Oracle Built The World’s First Autonomous Database: Typically, database administration is costly, complicated, and vulnerable to human mistake. Oracle changed that by introducing the first autonomous database, a machine learning-powered system that can manage, upgrade, and optimize itself. No more DBA wake-up calls at three in the morning due to an unsuccessful backup. The database simply...manages itself.

9. Oracle Supports Formula 1 Red Bull Racing: Oracle is in the forefront of innovation, but it is not just servers and spreadsheets. The business provides cloud infrastructure as well as real-time data analytics for supporting racing strategy and is the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team's title sponsor. Through this collaboration, Oracle's technology is put to the test in one of the world's most competitive, data-driven sports.

10. Oracle Developed a COVID-19 Data System For The United States: Oracle created a cloud-based platform in 2020 to gather COVID-19 data in the United States. The technology streamlined the procedure for medical professionals by collecting information on vaccine reactions as well as pandemic-related data. Although it was not noticeable, it was an essential component of the framework in a challenging period.

11. Oracle Has Acquired Over 140 Companies: Oracle purchases in addition to building. The business has acquired more than 140 companies throughout the course of time, including reputable brands like BEA, NetSuite, PeopleSoft, and Siebel Systems. Oracle has expanded its influence into cloud computing, enterprise software, as well as other areas thanks to this relentless acquisition approach.

Summary: Unexpected Roots, Unstoppable Reach

The majority of individuals associate the word "Oracle" with databases, or perhaps a handful boring business applications. Beneath what is visible, however, lies a business that has contributed to legal disputes, programming heritage, national security, as well as Formula 1 racing. Oracle's popularity is astonishing, yet it is also somewhat unbelievable. It is comparable to learning that your calm neighbour was once a stunt pilot. Furthermore, Oracle has been slowly impacting the digital landscape for more than 40 years, despite not being as extravagant or noisy as some of its Silicon Valley competitors. Oracle is far more than simply a software company, regardless of whether you like its ambitious goals or are concerned with regard to its power.