Oracle CloudWorld 2024: Embracing Openness and AI for a Multi-cloud Future
Zensar participated in the recently concluded Oracle Cloud World at Las Vegas.
Larry Ellison’s keynote at Oracle CloudWorld 2024 focused on the future of cloud technology, emphasizing the importance of an open ecosystem and multi-cloud environments. Oracle continues providing customers with more choices, paving the way for seamless platform integration. By 2025, Oracle’s flagship applications, such as Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, HCM, and NetSuite, will transition to the autonomous database, enhancing security and performance. Ellison also announced a significant move toward biometric authentication, advocating for secure and user-friendly alternatives to traditional passwords. His discussion on OCI Zero Trust Packet Routing (ZPR) was particularly intriguing, as it separates network configuration from security, using AI to inspect network traffic and ensure data integrity.
Partnerships and expansion in the multi-cloud arena
The event began with the announcement of Oracle's partnership with AWS, completing its trio of cloud provider partnerships alongside Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. This strategic move will allow Oracle’s database services to operate on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) directly within AWS. The multi-cloud partnership strengthens Oracle’s position by offering greater flexibility and efficiency of cloud services for many businesses.
CEO Safra Catz highlights customer successes
Oracle CEO Safra Catz’s discussions with marquee customers from various industries underscored Oracle’s dedication to strong business relationships. She expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnerships and detailed customer success stories from various organizations. Oracle's first customer was particularly notable, the CIA, which now uses generative AI to support intelligence missions and automate logistics and supply chain processes. Other success stories included BNP Paribas migrating to Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer, MGM Resorts International leveraging AI to enhance guest experiences, and Entel moving its application software to OCI to reduce costs and improve efficiency. These use cases highlight Oracle’s ability to tailor its solutions to diverse industries and global challenges.
AI-powered assistants revolutionize business operations
One of the standout moments of the event was the introduction of over 50 AI-powered assistants embedded across Oracle’s applications. These AI agents boost productivity in various business functions like finance, supply chain, HR, sales, marketing, and service. It was impressive as demonstrations of these assistants showcased their seamless integration within existing workflows, improving efficiency and decision-making. With no additional costs to customers, these AI innovations further strengthen Oracle’s commitment to making AI an integral part of business processes. Oracle also showed how customers already leverage AI within their Fusion applications, with a significant focus on AI in finance, particularly within Fusion ERP and EPM Cloud.
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure enhancements: A new era of AI and development
The updates to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) were another major highlight, showcasing Oracle’s commitment to leading in AI and cloud technology. Oracle unveiled a new generative AI RAG Agent, Oracle AI Vector Search, and Oracle Code Assist designed to accelerate application development and deployment. Additionally, Oracle launched a massive AI Zetta scale supercomputer in the cloud and emphasized AI and data sovereignty in collaboration with Nvidia. The introduction of the Oracle Intelligent Data Lake was fascinating, aiming to unify data, accelerate AI, increase productivity, and enhance visibility and processes. Oracle leaders highlighted key innovations in business intelligence, including the comprehensive Oracle Data Intelligence platform and embedded analytics within applications. They also announced the availability of Netsuite Data Intelligence and Industry Data Intelligence.
Generative AI and application development with APEX
Oracle’s application development platform, APEX, has been upgraded to lead innovation in application development by leveraging generative AI. A demo illustrated how gen AI can build an application with a complete user interface and app logic. Oracle also highlighted the machine learning algorithms embedded within the Oracle database, which can be utilized to make predictions across various business processes. These advancements promise to accelerate development and deployment cycles.
Elevating cybersecurity with AI-driven protection
Cybersecurity was a major focus at the event in a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure. The Oracle Autonomous Database, which automates data encryption, security patches, and backups, was highlighted as a critical tool for minimizing human error and maximizing security. Larry Ellison also delved deeply into the themes of AI and security, explaining how Oracle’s comprehensive stack provides robust security at multiple levels. This dual emphasis on AI and cybersecurity underscores Oracle’s commitment to safeguarding data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Conclusion: A clear path forward in AI, cloud, and security
Oracle CloudWorld 2024 was a great conference to showcase Oracle’s latest innovations in AI, cloud technology, and cybersecurity. The event highlighted significant advancements, including new AI tools, enhanced security measures, and strategic partnerships, demonstrating Oracle’s commitment to driving technological progress and customer success.
