Oracle piggybacks on Java to counter Microsoft

BANGALORE: Oracle expects the J2EE development tools markets to consolidate and put a leash on .NET’s growth. It has submitted a set of specifications that recommend new features in a move to provide a unified IDE, which would enable developers to use all Java tools.

"We are strongly behind J2EE. We believe that proprietary platforms like .NET have a bleak future because customers do not want to be locked in. ", says Christophe Job, VP, Application Development Tools.

But why are development tools so important to Oracle? Oracle’s range of Java development tools is not a money-garner for the company — It is a strategic asset to win over more developers onto the Java camp by making Java development attractive. But building a loyal, large base of developers is important in promoting adoption of its other money-making products, such as portal software and management tools.

To promote Java tools, Oracle is playing peacemaker among the development tool makers such as IBM, Sun, BEA and Borland. Oracle is heading a vendor-led effort to strengthen the Java community. The company hopes to counter the popularity of .NET by offering a superior and unified alternative to the easy-to-use Visual Studio .NET. "Integration is the key. JDeveloper 9.04 will be launched within the next six months. We want to bring our three tools under one umbrella and offer an integrated platform for Java development."

In the database market, Oracle feels threatened by Microsoft as it continues to gain market share SMBs. Microsoft"s SQL Server is more economical than Oracle’s database and like all Microsoft’s products - is easy-to-use.