Microsoft and Oracle Deepen Azure Partnership for Oracle Database Services

In a significant collaboration, Oracle Corp and Microsoft Corp have unveiled Oracle Database@Azure, allowing customers direct access to Oracle’s database services running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and deployed within Microsoft Azure data centers.

Oracle Database@Azure combines the robust performance, scalability, and workload availability advantages of Oracle Database on OCI with the security, adaptability, and top-notch services provided by Microsoft Azure, including the cutting-edge AI services such as Azure OpenAI. This synergy grants customers greater flexibility in choosing where to run their workloads while simplifying cloud procurement and management between Oracle Database and Azure services.

The introduction of Oracle Database@Azure is poised to expedite customers’ migration to the cloud, empowering them to modernize their IT landscapes and harness Azure’s infrastructure, tools, and services. Customers will enjoy:

1. Enhanced options for migrating their Oracle databases to the cloud.

2. Unparalleled Oracle database performance, scalability, and availability, coupled with feature and pricing parity.

3. A streamlined, secure, and low-latency single operating environment within Azure data centers.

4. The capability to build new cloud-native applications using OCI and Azure technologies, including Azure’s AI services.

5. The confidence in an architecture tested and supported by two of the most reputable names in cloud computing.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO, expressed optimism about assisting organizations in transitioning their mission-critical applications to the cloud to unleash the potential of AI, stating, “Our expanded partnership with Oracle will make Microsoft Azure the only other cloud provider to run Oracle’s database services and help our customers unlock a new wave of cloud-powered innovation.”

Larry Ellison, Oracle’s Chairman and CTO, emphasized the ease of seamlessly connecting Azure Services with Oracle Database technology, underlining their collaboration to deliver optimal database and network performance through collocated Oracle Exadata hardware in Azure data centers.

Facilitating Multicloud Adoption

This novel service offers an integrated experience for deploying, managing, and utilizing Oracle database instances within Azure, leveraging the strengths of both Oracle and Microsoft within the Azure portal. It addresses the major challenges of adopting multicloud architectures, eliminating disjointed management, siloed tools, and complex procurement processes.

As a result of this extended partnership, customers can deploy Azure services alongside fully managed Oracle Database services in a single data center, including support for Oracle Exadata Database services, Oracle Autonomous Database services, and Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC). Oracle and Microsoft have also devised a joint support model to ensure rapid response and resolution for mission-critical workloads.

Furthermore, the purchasing and contracting process has been simplified significantly. Customers can acquire Oracle Database@Azure via Azure Marketplace, utilizing their existing Azure agreements and leveraging benefits such as Bring Your Own License and the Oracle Support Rewards program.

Industry Leaders Putting Customers First

Prominent organizations like Fidelity Investments, PepsiCo, Vodafone, and Voya Financial have lauded this collaboration for its potential to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and meet compliance and regulatory requirements.

Oracle will manage OCI services directly within Microsoft’s global data centers, commencing with regions in North America and Europe.