Oracle, the largest provider of software for e-business, has unveiled plans to incorporate wireless functionality throughout its Oracle E-Business Suite, making it accessible via common mobile devices, such as WAP-enabled cellular phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
Marc Gower, Oracle SA Marketing Director, says wireless devices represent the next wave in business computing, and software vendors can`t afford to stagnate by continuing to rely on the status quo.
"Oracle recognises the rapidly growing wireless workforce and the heightened need for anytime, anywhere access to critical enterprise data and processes, and is designing wireless solutions aimed at accommodating mobile users," he says.
"Oracle is building on the success of its fourth generation suite of Internet applications to focus on the technology that will keep human resources professionals ahead of the wireless curve."
Gower says Oracle is integrating connected wireless functionality into all aspects of its human resource and financial applications, including benefits, payroll, recruitment, receivables, time and expense reporting and training applications.
"By creating true Internet-enabled wireless applications - in which the applications are accessed and manipulated via a browser on a mobile device - Oracle is reducing the complexity and maintenance normally associated with running wireless applications.
"With these advances, employees will be able to perform important administrative functions, such as making changes to dependents and beneficiaries, participating in open enrollment, or recording time and requesting time off, from the convenience of a mobile phone, PDA or other wireless device."
He says that using such devices, human resource managers will have the ability to develop schedules, inquire on the latest payroll run, update offers to candidates and run critical staffing reports, all with the Oracle E-Business Suite.
"Integrated wireless financial applications will allow customers to request and approve travel and expenses, assess team make-up and contractor budgets, and view and change office space assignments."
Oracle has strong experience upon which to build its wireless enterprise applications. Oracle currently offers Field Sales and Field Service for Mobile Devices, as well as Portal To Go, which transforms existing Internet content into wireless-readable format.
Oracle plans to make wireless HRMS applications available before the end of the 2000 calendar year, beginning with directory and messaging and time management applications.
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