Oracle Releases Mac OS X Server Development Tool

The developer software, Oracle9i Database Release 2 Developers Release on Mac OS X 10.2, enables Apple developers to build applications that leverage Oracle's latest database technology running on Xserve, Apple's 1U rack-mount server that shipped July 1. Oracle9i Database Release 2 provides new high-availability, business-intelligence and XML features plus performance and manageability improvements, according to Oracle.

The Oracle9i database development tool for Mac OS X Server 10.2--available to registered Oracle Technology Network members as a free download from Oracle's Web site--is being offered as part of an early-access program for the Oracle and Apple developer community, Oracle reported.

Other software vendors also have committed to support Apple's Unix-based Xserve/OS X Server platform, including Sybase, for its enterprise database product; Hewlett-Packard, for its HP OpenView management software; and Adobe Systems, for its Adobe Web Workgroup Server.

"Those systems will bring more solution providers onto our platform," said Alex Grossman, director of server and storage marketing at Apple. The Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker is positioning the Xserve/OS X Server product, in tandem, as a solution-based sell via channel partners, Grossman said.