Oracle Database and Exadata Now Available on Azure: What You Need to Know

In a significant development for cloud computing, Microsoft Azure has announced the availability of Oracle Database and Exadata services directly within its platform. This new offering, named Oracle Database@Azure (not a typo), brings together the robust capabilities of Oracle Database with the performance and scalability of Oracle Exadata, now running natively within Azure infrastructure.

Previously, Oracle Database capabilities were primarily accessible through Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). However, with Oracle Database@Azure, customers gain access to these services directly within Azure, streamlining the migration and deployment process for organizations leveraging Oracle technologies.

Key Features of Oracle Database@Azure:

1. Native Integration: Oracle Database@Azure operates as a native Azure service, allowing seamless integration with other Azure offerings such as Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Fabric. This integration opens up a range of possibilities for customers to leverage Oracle Database within their Azure environments more effectively.
2. Availability and Expansion: Currently available in the East US region, Oracle Database@Azure is set to expand to several other regions in early 2024. This expansion will enable organizations worldwide to access and utilize Oracle Database and Exadata services within their preferred Azure regions.
3. Unified Pricing and Agreements: The service utilizes OCI pricing and agreements, simplifying the billing and contractual process for customers. By retiring commitments with both Microsoft and Oracle, organizations can streamline their procurement and management of Oracle Database solutions on Azure.
4. Provisioning and Management: Provisioning Oracle Database@Azure is straightforward and can be done through the Azure portal once acquired via the Azure Marketplace. This streamlined provisioning process reduces complexity and accelerates the deployment of Oracle Database and Exadata services on Azure.

Why Oracle Database@Azure Matters:

1. Expanded Options for Customers: With Microsoft Azure being the only cloud provider, outside of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, to offer certified Oracle cloud solutions for database and Exadata, customers now have expanded options for deploying and managing their Oracle workloads in the cloud.
2. Simplified Adoption: By retiring commitments with both Oracle and Microsoft, Oracle Database@Azure makes it easier for organizations to adopt Oracle technologies within their Azure environments. This simplification of procurement and management processes can lower barriers to entry for organizations considering migrating to Oracle Database on Azure.
3. Support for Oracle Technologies: Oracle Database@Azure supports a range of common Oracle technologies, including Real Application Clusters (RAC), Oracle Data Guard, and Oracle GoldenGate. This comprehensive support ensures that organizations can leverage their existing Oracle investments seamlessly within the Azure environment.

All in all, the availability of Oracle Database and Exadata services on Azure represents a step forward for organizations seeking to leverage the power of Oracle technologies within the Azure cloud ecosystem. With native integration, unified pricing, and support for key Oracle technologies, Oracle Database@Azure offers a compelling option for organizations looking to modernize their data infrastructure and accelerate their journey to the cloud.

For more information and to explore Oracle Database@Azure, visit the Microsoft Azure blog.