Oracle will give cloud users first dibs on its next big database update

From InfoWorld: Oracle's namesake database may have been born on-premises, but the next big update to the software will make its debut in the cloud.

Oracle Database 12c Release 2, also known as Oracle Database 12.2, is slated for release in the second half of this year. It will first be made available in the cloud, with an on-premises version arriving at some undefined point in the future.

"We are committed to giving customers more options to move to the cloud because it helps them reduce costs and become more efficient and agile," Oracle said. "Oracle Database 12.2 will be available in the cloud first, but we will also make it accessible to all of our customers."

The move promises to be frustrating for many users who have purchased on-premises licenses and pay for premium support, said Craig Guarente, cofounder of Palisade Compliance, which helps Oracle customers negotiate with the database giant. "These companies are paying for phone support and updates, and it's a 90-plus percent margin for Oracle -- it's their cash cow," Guarente explained.

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