Editor's Welcome

Welcome the latest issue of Oracle's monthly newsletter for small and midsize businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In this issue we bring you details of Oracle's forthcoming business and technology conference series, Oracle OpenWorld.

To be held in three European cities - London, Amsterdam and Milan - during September, Oracle OpenWorld will offer a wealth of valuable presentations, discussions, product demonstrations and hands-on sessions specifically for organisations of less than 500 employees. Learn how to take the best advantage of the recovering economy, and how to position your company for profitable growth. Find out how the latest technologies can benefit your business, and how best to implement them. Network with your peers and make contact with prospective customers. Hear from leading industry figures - including Oracle chairman and chief executive officer Larry Ellison - about the future direction of technology.

Spending time at Oracle OpenWorld will be a great investment, exploring the potential of using IT and E-Business technology to streamline and differentiate your business, paving the way to greater efficiency and greater profit. Read the article for more information, or click on London, Amsterdam or Milan to register now.

Focus on Finance

A company can have the best products, the best service and the best people in the world, but if finances aren't properly planned and managed, profits will remain elusive and survival may become a real issue. In our article on financial management, we look at SMEs in Spain and Slovenia who have regained financial control of their operations thanks to the Oracle E-Business Suite Special Edition - an integrated suite of business management and reporting software designed specifically for smaller organisations.

SMEs Going Global

Israel has long been a major development centre for the high-tech and industrial manufacturing sectors. In this issue we talk to Tel Aviv-based IT services company APPLET about the hopes and aspirations of local SMEs in these markets, and how the right IT infrastructure is helping many smaller Israeli companies expand profitably into new overseas markets.

Evaluate the Oracle Database Today

Many smaller organisations think that the Oracle Database is designed and priced for large enterprises with thousands of employees. Consequently, even though it is demonstrably the best relational database available today, many IT managers have not previously evaluated it. We think that they are missing a trick. The Oracle Database 10g Standard Edition One has been designed with the needs, budgets and IT skills of SMEs in mind, and is our most intuitive, quickest-to-install database version yet. Don't take our word for it, though - order your free copy today and find out how easy the Oracle Database is to use.

Beat the Big Boys

A lot of smaller companies may already be harnessing the power of Oracle technology without even realising it. The Oracle Database is increasingly becoming the technology platform of choice for developers of packaged business software applications. In this issue we feature specialist UK holiday company Mark Warner Holidays, and find out how Oracle-based reservations software from BlueSky Travel Systems has helped it steam past the larger tour operators to win major industry accolades and address the surging demand for personalised holidays.

As always, I hope that you will find this newsletter interesting and stimulating. If you have any comments, questions, or suggested topics for future issues, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Anthony Peake
Senior Director, SME Marketing, Oracle EMEA