Discoverer, Oracle's New Open Data Query and Reporting Tool, Enters Beta Testing

Easy-to-Use Tool Gives End Users Stronger Performance, Greater Flexibility and Web Reporting Functions for Data Warehousing

Helping users navigate the world of data warehousing, Oracle Corp. (Nasdaq: ORCL) today announced the beginning of beta testing for Oracle Discoverer, a new data query, extraction and reporting tool. Discoverer combines powerful, flexible and scalable data extraction technology with an easy-to-use graphical interface. Discoverer's intuitive Web publishing capability enables users to easily create and post reports on corporate intranets or the World Wide Web. Addressing user demands for greater ease-of-use and performance, Oracle has designed the new data query tool to save time and improve access to data warehouses. Additionally, Discoverer provides open access to all major databases including Oracle7, Rdb, Informix, SQL Server, DB2 and Sybase.

Discoverer was designed by end users, for end users. It was created through an innovative process of designing the user interface and product functionality before writing any code. This process has led to a product that provides industry-leading ease-of-use, driven by powerful wizards and industry-specific computer-based training (CBT). The product's intuitive, familiar interface enables users to become productive immediately. "In our competitive business we need fast and flexible access to our data, and Oracle Discoverer stands head-and-shoulders above any other query tool in serving our needs," said Joel Kenan, database administrator, Merck and Company Inc. "It is very easy to learn, and the wizards ensure our end users do not need extensive training to use it. Discoverer makes data extraction a much simpler science."

Discoverer offers users unlimited flexibility as they pursue their data. Users can drill down on and pivot multi-dimensional information through a simple point-and-click interface. Discoverer also provides the unique ability for users to easily drill down to detail and transactional data stored in their databases. "As more businesses depend on their data warehouses to make decisions, users are demanding fast and dynamic access to their data," said Sohaib Abbasi, senior vice president of Oracle's Tools and Groupware Division.

"Oracle is the first to deliver a tool which not only meets their ease-of-use needs, but also scales to meet their performance requirements as their warehouses grow."

High Performance Query and Reporting

Many query tools allow administrators to limit the duration of a user's query, but as a result users are often unable to obtain the results they need. Discoverer's predictive query governor eliminates this problem by estimating the time a query will take before beginning extraction, informing the user of the expected query duration and allowing the user to choose if the search should proceed. This sets user expectations appropriately and prevents long-running queries from consuming resources unnecessarily.

Discoverer's client cache improves response time by temporarily storing extracted data on the user's workstation. Discoverer intelligently draws from this cache for data analysis and manipulation and only returns to the database for new data queries when necessary. This technique not only improves performance, it also reduces network traffic, freeing up system resources for other users and tasks.

Discoverer offers users fully integrated reporting and charting functions with point-and-click drill-down capabilities. Users are not restricted to a pre-defined data hierarchy, and can drill down on any logical data point. Unlike other reporting tools, Discoverer enables users to drill down to increasingly detailed levels of data, all the way down to the actual database transactions. Discoverer supports multi-dimensional output which can also be presented visually as 3-D, rotating charts.

Pricing and Availability

Discoverer is expected to ship this winter, with pricing announced at shipment. Discoverer/2000 users will be provided with an upgrade path to Oracle Discoverer.