Oracle's new $685m buy a good upsell peg

MUMBAI, INDIA: Acquisition of Phase Forward not only comes as the 66th in line highlighting its corporate strategy but also serves as an reinforcement of its business objectives feel some analysts.

This acquisition immediately gives Oracle a set of over 300 customer database which further fortify its presence in life sciences vertical outwardly, and auguments its internal capabilities for dedicated health science division, opines Mohammad Saif, Deputy Director — Consulting, ICT Practice, Frost & Sullivan,South Asia & Middle East

"Oracle would be in strong position to up-sell the health cares oftware further into this segment which extends great functionality and clearly underscorethe vertical focussed strategy."

On April 16, Oracle announced it has agreed to purchase Phase Forward, a provider of applications for life sciences companies and healthcare providers.

Its press announcement said that Phase Forward’s SaaS-based Integrated Clinical Research Suite manages clinical development and safety processes from Phase 1 clinical trials through regulatory submission and post-approval monitoring. Adding complementary assets to Oracle Health Sciences, the combination is expected to enable researchers, clinical development professionals, physicians, regulators and patients to more effectively and securely capture, contribute, access and share data. The acquisition of Phase Forward is consistent with Oracle’s strategy to provide mission-critical applications for key industries.

Phase Forward management and employees are expected to join Oracle as part of the Oracle Health Sciences Global Business Unit. The transaction is subject to stockholder and regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in mid 2010.