Johannesburg, 14 Jan 2003
South African software developers looking to extend their solutions to Oracle technology have been invited to a series of "open-day" meetings organised by Oracle SA as part of a partner recruitment drive.
At the meetings, to be held in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in February 2003, independent software vendors (ISVs) will have the opportunity to present their solutions and highlight the markets they address, while learning more about opportunities for partners within the Oracle environment.
"It`s part of our programme - launched earlier this year - to extend and develop our ISV channel presence in the market," says Bev Scott, ISV channel manager at Oracle SA.
"Our overall objective is to drive Oracle-based solutions into added-value, vertical markets. This is where ISVs` strengths lie. They have the special relationships with customers and the expertise to meet their needs."
Existing Oracle ISVs are also being invited to the meetings. While many are being contacted directly, Oracle has set up a Web page on its South African site (www.oracle-isv.co.za) whereby both Oracle and non-Oracle ISV`s can schedule meetings during the open-days.
"We want to meet people, understand their business objectives and appreciate their applications," says Scott.
"In doing so, we hope to build a business relationship with them so that they will come to understand the opportunities that exist within the Oracle environment.
"We would like to present Oracle as more than a database company and give the ISVs an opportunity to question the technology they are currently using and realise that there is another option available to them - one that easily scales into the enterprise."
Oracle will offer training to suitable ISVs to help them migrate from their existing platforms to Oracle as well as provide a temporary licence for the Oracle infrastructure to enable on-going development and client demonstrations.
The company is also planning to make the transition as cost-effective as possible by providing marketing support and access to its Oracle Partner Network that provides technical and global marketing support.
"Oracle has become increasingly focused on its ISV channel over the past year, and has devoted substantial resources to develop what it sees as its extended sales force.
"These are the people who have direct relationships with the end-user base. They have the vertical market expertise while we have the technology and market presence.
"Working together as partners will ensure our mutual success in the future," concludes Scott.
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