Oracle has released an entry-level database aimed at providing opportunities for developers as well as exposure for the company`s database product.
The new Oracle Database 10g Express Edition (XE) has a small footprint, works on the Windows and Linux platforms, and is free to download, develop, deploy and distribute, says the company.
Oracle Database XE is free for runtime usage, provided it supports up to only 4GB of user data, there is a single instance of XE on any server, XE uses and executes on one processor in any server, and a maximum of 1GB RAM is used.
Although pointing out that support through registering as a member of the online community forum is also free, Oracle SA solutions manager Mohamed Cassoojee agrees that the thinking behind the release of XE is not all altruistic and is in line with market trends towards being more open.
XE will provide independent software developers the opportunity to develop products based on the Oracle database at a much lower cost and enable database administrators and educational institutions to get their hands on experience of the latest technology free, Cassoojee says, but admits the move will also expose new users to the product.
"Returns for Oracle will be in terms of database administrators choosing to switch to our database and users of XE upgrading to full functionality licensed editions of the 10g database," he explains.
Oracle SA foresees the local benefit will be in developing independent software vendors, who will be able to experience the technology, validate it with their applications, and distribute it with no risk or investment, says Cassoojee.
"Any application developed for XE will run with other editions, protecting any investment in application development," adds Cassoojee.
Depending on the response from the developer community, Cassoojee says Oracle SA may decide to distribute XE on CD to help avoid lengthy downloads due to local bandwidth constraints.
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