Oracle Sweetens Accelerate Program Rewards

Oracle also announced seven solutions from channel partners based on the Accelerate application bundles, representing the first fruits of the Accelerate program unveiled at Oracle OpenWorld last October.

Oracle has created some 70 application bundles for Accelerate using software from its Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft, J.D. Edwards and Siebel product lines. The bundles are targeted toward SMBs, defined as companies with annual sales of $500 million or less, in specific vertical markets. The vendor also developed about 1,200 "Oracle Business Accelerators" that provide workflow links between the applications, making it easier to deploy them.

Channel partners are developing industry solutions using the application bundles and Business Accelerators. Denver-based Tier 1 Innovation, for example, has announced applications for public sector and local government based on Oracle's Siebel products. In addition, Daz Systems, in El Segundo, Calif., announced applications and consulting services for the consumer packaged goods and nondurable goods industries based on E-Business Suite.

Other solution providers unveiling Accelerate-based products include Amazing USA, Baytree Associates, Business Technology Services, Solbourne and Syntax.net.

Oracle is currently developing performance metrics for the loyalty program and defining the appropriate benefits for each level of achievement, says Tony Kender, senior vice president of Oracle's global SMB business unit, which oversees the Accelerate effort. The loyalty program is expected to launch sometime in Oracle's next fiscal year, which begins June 1. The Accelerate program already provides channel partners with marketing campaign assistance, referral fees and inclusion in the Accelerate section of the Oracle PartnerNetwork Solutions Catalog.