Wtf is Oracle and why do 97% of companies use it? Larry Ellison's $457bn gamble
Sep 20, 2024
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Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and a tech industry titan, dives into the powerhouse that is Oracle, revealing its staggering $457 billion valuation. He explains how Oracle has become essential for 97% of companies, serving as the backbone of the internet. The discussion covers Oracle's revolutionary introduction of relational databases and SQL, its successful transition to cloud services, and its hidden dominance in the tech landscape. Ellison also touches on Oracle's innovative approach and its critical role in data management across businesses.
Oracle revolutionized business data management by introducing relational databases and Structured Query Language, enhancing decision-making processes across industries.
Despite powering crucial aspects of the digital economy, Oracle maintains a low profile as a B2B company, emphasizing its foundational role in technology.
Deep dives
The Birth of Oracle
The origins of Oracle date back to 1977 when Larry Ellison, alongside fellow college dropouts Bob Miner and Ed Oates, founded the company after being inspired by a paper on relational database management systems. Their first product, Oracle Version 2, effectively laid the groundwork for what would become a transformative force in business data management. By realizing that organizing data in a more relational manner could optimize how businesses operated, they ushered in a new era of computing. This early vision, coupled with savvy marketing strategies, set the tone for Oracle's future dominance in the database sector.
Rise to Dominance Through Innovation
Oracle's rise to prominence can largely be attributed to its innovative use of Structured Query Language (SQL), which transformed how businesses handled and accessed large volumes of data. SQL empowered organizations to pose complex questions and receive immediate insights, thereby revolutionizing decision-making processes. Following the successful launch of Oracle 7 in 1992, which featured key advancements in security and app development tools, Oracle expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions, including PeopleSoft and Sun Microsystems. These moves not only diversified Oracle's offerings but also solidified its position as a crucial player in the tech industry.
Oracle's Under-the-Radar Influence
Despite its vast influence and critical role in modern technology, Oracle has managed to maintain a low profile, primarily operating as a B2B company without a consumer-facing brand. Many people unwittingly interact with Oracle's systems in everyday situations like banking, travel booking, and healthcare without realizing it. The company's worth, now valued at $200 billion, is supported by its extensive range of integrated products that cover everything from hardware to cloud services, making it a one-stop solution for enterprises. This unique positioning highlights the power of being a foundational technology provider rather than a flashy consumer brand.
Alright, WTF is Oracle and why is it worth a massive $457 billion?
In this video, we dive into how Oracle became the backbone of the internet. Spoiler: 97% of companies would crumble without it. From powering your favourite apps to securing your data, Oracle is the silent force keeping the digital world running. But what even is it? Let’s break it down for you.
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