Larry Ellison: Visionary Behind Oracle’s Global Success

Larry Ellison, Bob Miners and Ed Oates founded Oracle in 1977. The company initially focused on creating relational database management systems (RDBMS). In 1979, they released Oracle V2, the first commercial SQL-based RDBMS. By the 1990s and early 2000s, they ventured into creating software solutions, including ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management). In 1979, SDL was renamed Relational Software Inc. In 1982, it officially became Oracle Systems Corporation. Throughout the 1990s, America’s banks, airlines, automobile companies, and retail giants became dependent on Oracle’s database programs. Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle became a pioneer in providing business applications over the Internet. In 1994, Oracle acquired an RDBMS called Rdb division from DEC. It was the first acquisition by Oracle. By 2004, Oracle acquired PeopleSoft, Inc. for $10.3 billion. The acquisition was necessary because the company had 12,750 customers. It provided human resource management systems, chain supply management, customer relationship management and financial management solutions. On April 29, 2008, Oracle Corporation bought BEA Systems for $8.5 billion. The company specialises in enterprise infrastructure software products. On 27 January 2010, Larry Ellison agreed to acquire Sun Microsystems for $7 billion. After all these acquisitions, Oracle began to sell technologies, using new databases and services based on Sun Microsystems technologies. In the 2010s, Oracle shifted its focus to Cloud Computing and developing its cloud infrastructure and services. The company introduced the concept of “Autonomous Database.” The database uses AI and automation to manage and secure the databases. Additionally, the company continues to expand into technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Their cloud offerings are a worthy competitor to companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft.