Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
Oracle is famous for its database, but it is also a major player in cloud computing and enterprise applications. Here are 10 incredible facts about the company.
10 incredible facts about Oracle
1. It started with a different name
Larry Ellison, Bob Miner and Ed Oates founded the company in 1977 as Software Development Laboratories.
2. It was named after a CIA project
The name “Oracle” came from a database project codenamed Oracle that Ellison had worked on for the CIA.
3. Its first product was “Version 2”
Oracle’s first commercial database, released in 1979, was called Oracle V2. There was no Version 1; the name was chosen to suggest a mature product.
4. It helped popularise SQL
Oracle V2 was one of the first commercially available relational databases using SQL, the language still used to query most databases.
5. It owns Java
Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, gaining the Java programming language and the MySQL database.
6. It bought PeopleSoft and NetSuite
Oracle acquired PeopleSoft (including JD Edwards) in 2005 and NetSuite, a cloud ERP for smaller businesses, in 2016.
7. It has a big India presence
Oracle runs large development centres in India, and its subsidiary Oracle Financial Services Software, which grew from the Indian firm i-flex, makes banking software used worldwide.
8. It won sailing’s top prize
Oracle Team USA, backed by Larry Ellison, won the America’s Cup sailing race in 2010 and 2013.
9. Its cloud is growing fast
In Q1 of fiscal 2027, Oracle reported total revenue of about $19.3 billion, up 30%, driven by surging demand for its cloud infrastructure.
10. It has a massive order book
Oracle’s remaining performance obligations reached about $664 billion in Q1 fiscal 2027, largely from long-term cloud contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oracle Fusion?
Oracle’s cloud-based suite of enterprise applications for finance, supply chain, HR and more.
What is an Oracle database?
A widely used relational database for storing and managing business data.
Is Oracle a good career option?
Oracle database, Fusion applications and cloud skills are in demand in India.
Keep exploring
- Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP explained
- What is cloud computing?
- More ERP Software explainers on Tiwaripedia
- Browse all incredible facts
Facts are based on widely accepted scientific, historical and official sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
