Oracle expands remit with reported new cloud, AI department
Enterprise software giant Oracle has inaugurated a new cloud and AI organisation.
According to Business Insider, Executive VP Don Johnson is to run the new department, which is known as Oracle Cloud Platform & AI Services.
Johnson was previously head of Oracle Cloud infrastructure, an organisation which will continue to exist alongside the new division, and was also a former challenger for the position of CEO, before current CEO Safra Catz attained the role of CEO in 2014, having served previously as both CFO and President.
Bolstering AI efforts
An internal email seen by Business Insider announced the change, saying: “It’s important to note: this is an extension of OCI, not a division of it. Together we’ll operate this as a unified OCI team, with a common all-hands, product roadmap, the usual meetings and processes, etc. One big tent and a common culture.”
The enterprise technology firm is particularly known for its database management systems, but in recent times Oracle’s AI offering has become more extensive. In 2019, for instance, the company added AI capabilities to its enterprise resource planning offering, with machine learning-augmented technology for expense reporting, financial controls and supply chain management, alongside a digital assistant for project management.
At the time, Rondy Ng, senior vice president, Oracle Applications Development, said: “Oracle continues to deliver on the finance innovation promise expected by our customers. Our pervasive AI strategy delivered via continuous product updates ensures rapid adoption with immediate business results. This allows finance and operations teams to stay ahead of the technology curve and retain a competitive advantage.”
The importance of cloud
The email announcing the new cloud and AI organisation went on to emphasise the ever-increasing importance of cloud to the company, saying: “Oracle is now fundamentally a cloud company, with a clear and simple vision: a marriage of the best cloud infrastructure, and leading data platform, together with the most pervasive cloud applications.”
