Oracle Java-enables whole applications range

Oracle has Java-enabled all its applications, it announced yesterday in support of Sun's launch of its Javastation thin client. From next spring, its applications can be deployed on any client platform that supports Java browsers, with users pulling down software and data from the corporate server across the Intranet.

Reinforcing its stand against the Microsoft PC model of computing, Oracle claimed companies can now implement critical applications with no installation and maintenance effort at the client, speeding up deployment and cutting down on user training needs. The company is ahead of its main rivals in supporting the new thin client approach to client/server. SAP, Baan and Peoplesoft, among others, are working on Java-enabled versions of their products, but are unlikely to release them before summer 1997 at the earliest.

Although the Java-enabled applications will run on any client platform that runs Java browsers - including Microsoft-Intel PCs - Oracle was using its latest move to promote its concept of thin clients and said that the greatest corporate advantage, in terms of cost-effectiveness and ease of use - could be reaped from installing network computers.

The applications that are now Java-enabled are financials, manufacturing, supply chain management, human resources and payroll.

The applications will also be integrated with Oracle's merchant server, Project Apollo, to allow Internet-based consumer transactions such as payments and orders to be transferred directly into databases attached to the applications.

This is the third step in Oracle's programme to bring Internet support to its software. The first