OpenWorld: Tech Titans Vie For Virtualization Dominance

Virtualization was key at OpenWorld, but local businesses prepared very real entertainment for attendees.

Oracle OpenWorld kicked off with heartwarming remembrances from Larry Ellison about Oracle's humble beginnings in 1977.

Saturday Night Live actors (pictured left to right) Kevin Nealon, Victoria Jackson and Darrell Hammond performed "Sunday Night Live 30," a series of sketches relentlessly mocking Oracle's massive appetite for acquiring other companies, and Oracle's early database development work for the CIA.

Oracle OpenWorld gets bigger and better every year. Virtualization was the word for this year's OpenWorld, as a number of companies announced major initiatives in the virtualization market.

HP's Mark Hurd answered a series of pre-recorded random questions from attendees. His major prediction for the future is that consolidation in the IT industry will continue.

Michael Dell in his keynote speech announced Dell's plans to become a greener company.

The company's strategies include simplifying client and data center offerings, and debuting services that will assess complexity and simplify IT environments.

Billy Joel introduced Larry Ellison at Ellison's ending keynote.

Ellison gave the audience a few tantalizing tidbits on the Fusion applications to be released in 2008, and talked about Oracle's virtualization strategy.

After introducing Ellison at his keynote, Billy Joel performed later that night at the OpenWorld Appreciation Event at the Cow Palace, along with Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and Lenny Kravitz.

The performance was enjoyed by local residents up to three miles away.