Wireless technology has been one of the hot topics of recent years, largely because it covers such a broad range of technologies which have all seen impressive levels of innovation in their own right. Many different wireless and mobile technologies are lumped together under the same banner, and this means that when we say "wireless technology" we could be talking about anything from RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to 3G mobile phone networks and everything in between.

Oracle sees wireless and mobile technology as part of a broader strategy which it calls Pervasive Computing. This means that Oracle software is able to take full advantage of the advances that have happened in wireless networks and devices to bring real business benefits to customers. Martin Jarvis, Senior Business Development Manager, Pervasive Computing Business Solutions for Oracle EMEA explains: "The key thing for Oracle is that our pervasive mobile and wireless capabilities are actually in all of our products. We've evolved to a point where we don't think it's appropriate to have a single dedicated product any more, because these features have the most benefit to everybody when they're in all of our products."

The strength that Oracle has in this area is that there are mobile elements in the entire range of products, including a lightweight version of the database which can run on mobile devices such as PDAs and smart-phones. This extends to applications too, such as Oracle Warehouse Management which has already been RFID enabled, or the sales and field service applications which include handheld versions.

"We've got the breadth across the applications and it's all pre-integrated so you don't have to pick up a new product and start trying to plug it into your existing infrastructure, it's already been done for you." Says Jarvis.

To assist Oracle's own consultants as well as its ISV partners, the company has built a centre of excellence for Pervasive Computing in Warsaw, Poland. This facility currently houses approximately 50 consultants who are able to provide specialist expertise on mobile technologies and how people can build pervasive computing inside existing projects. Jarvis said "There's no point trying to do mobile on its own, there's always the most value when it's done with an existing system or as part of a larger project."

The centre offers training, advice and guidance on technologies as well as architectural review services at different points in a project's timeline to make sure that there won't be any nasty surprises as the project progresses. A similar centre has recently opened in Jordan, with around 40 consultants.

Providing ISVs with access to this technology and the necessary project support means that they are able to deliver compelling new solutions which add real value and significant operational efficiencies to their clients. Jarvis said: 'One of the biggest benefits we've seen from existing ISVs is the fact that they're able to go back to their customers with something innovative, something new. This isn't just about cost cutting. This is something that can deliver real benefits to their customers and that's something new and interesting for them to talk about."

Oracle is helping its ISV partners gain a foothold in the new market opportunities offered by this technology through a range of initiatives. Last year in Italy a community program brought together close to 50 ISV partners from that region in an effort to find ways or them to help each other develop pervasive computing solutions. By helping ISVs to mobile enable their solutions, Oracle is able to help them differentiate themselves by offering features that their competitors don't have.

Similar programs are planned for other countries in the future, along with other events to help ISVs reach out to more end users. Jarvis explains: "Last year we ran a customer event that our partners individually might not have had enough critical mass to organise or to attract sufficient numbers of customers. But by getting 40 or 50 of them together and getting big names like Oracle and Nokia to sponsor the event, we can give them that critical mass to help them get the customers in and talk to them to generate more revenue. We'll be replicating that in more countries in the future."

Where Next?

Learn more about Oracle's wireless and mobile capabilities.