Oracle issues Database 11G Release 2

Oracle has unveiled the latest version of its flagship database product. Database 11g Release 2 will improve the overall performance and efficiency of the database application while also allowing companies to cut costs, according to the firm.

New features include improved support for grid computing platforms. A One Node component will allow users to migrate database components into a single grid system. Oracle suggested that, by fully implementing the Real Applications Cluster tool, companies could cut server costs as much as fivefold.

Other features include an overhaul of the Automatic Storage Management tool, as well as improved compression and partitioning components for storage systems. Oracle has also added new redundancy controls to reduce idle time and waste of resources.

Additionally, the Release 2 build includes new components that allow companies to update certain applications online, reducing costs and maintenance times.

"Our customers want features that offer better performance and availability, lower IT costs and ways to deliver better information to their business users," said Andy Mendelsohn, senior vice president of database server technologies at Oracle.

"The availability of Release 2 completes the vision of Oracle Database 11g to address today's business and IT challenges, and continues our strategy of helping customers deliver the highest quality of service at lower cost."