Oracle has unveiled a significant update to its cloud offerings, announcing the general availability of the Oracle Exadata Database Service on Exascale Infrastructure via Oracle Database@Azure. This move promises to enhance performance and accessibility for small businesses looking to leverage cloud-based database solutions while minimizing costs.
The recent development is critically timed as small businesses increasingly embrace cloud technologies to stay competitive. The Exascale deployment is notable for eliminating the need for dedicated database and storage servers, slashing minimum infrastructure costs by up to 95%. This could be a game-changer for small business owners who are cautious of high upfront costs associated with on-premise systems.
“Vodafone’s business and applications have comprehensive service, market, and regional configurations guided by strict performance, scale, and functional requirements,” said Pedro Sardo, CIO, Shared Services and Director, Group IT Operations, Vodafone. “The ability to continue to utilize Oracle Base Database Service alongside Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure now on Oracle Database@Azure supports us with application and business continuity, simplifies our cloud migration efforts, and ensures we’re extracting value from our continued investments in the cloud.” This highlights how businesses, regardless of size, are utilizing Oracle’s services for efficient cloud integration.
The implementation of Exascale Infrastructure allows companies of all sizes to scale their database workloads dynamically and efficiently. The architecture offers several key advantages that small business owners should consider. The elastic, pay-per-use resources enable businesses to only pay for what they use, removing the fear of overspending on unnecessary capacity. Users can specify their needs in terms of database server ECPUs and storage capacity, and with intelligent storage solutions, performance and availability remain high without the associated high costs.
One standout feature, the intelligent storage cloud, takes advantage of advanced data management techniques to ensure that frequently accessed data is stored in faster locations, improving access speeds and overall performance. For small businesses looking to utilize AI, the AI Smart Scan feature now integrates with the Exascale intelligent storage cloud, running AI vector searches significantly faster—up to 30 times quicker than traditional methods. This not only accelerates data processing but can lead to enhanced analytical capabilities, which are essential for data-driven decisions.
While the benefits are significant, small business owners might face a few challenges when integrating these new services. Transitioning to a multi-tenant cloud environment may require an adjustment period, as staff develop proficiency in managing new digital infrastructures. Additionally, while Oracle aims to simplify the migration process with tools like Oracle Zero-Downtime Migration, the initial setup and integration into existing systems might require technical expertise, which could represent an additional cost.
Furthermore, Oracle has indicated plans to roll out the Base Database Service on Oracle Database@Azure soon. This service will facilitate easier administration, automated lifecycle management, and provide developers with low-code application development tools. Small businesses that value agility and reduced administrative burden will find these features particularly appealing.
The Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure also benefits from the latest Exadata X11M platform, enhancing performance across AI, analytics, and transaction processing. This upgrade is vital for businesses that demand high reliability and speed from their database systems, especially those processing large volumes of transactions in real time.
Access to Oracle Database@Azure has expanded, with availability now extending to 14 geographic regions, including newly launched capacity in the Azure East U.S. 2 region. The future looks bright with plans for expansion into an additional 18 regions over the next year, offering businesses global access to their data without the need for a complex infrastructure.
As Oracle and Microsoft continue to collaborate and enhance their offerings, small business owners can expect to benefit from improved services that cater to a diverse array of needs—whether building new cloud-native applications or simply migrating existing databases to the cloud.
For small business owners interested in leveraging these advancements, Oracle Exadata Database Service on Exascale Infrastructure is available for purchase through the Azure Marketplace, with flexible pricing options that include pay-as-you-go plans and custom quotes. Those looking to harness the power of cloud computing in a cost-effective manner should consider exploring these new options as they rethink their digital strategies.
For more information about Oracle’s offerings, you can reference the original press release here.
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