Oracle Corporation, the world's largest enterprise software company, and Dell, the world's leadingprovider of computer systems and services, have announced that they are joining hands to explore the great IT market in China with a new strategic partnership.

According to the partnership agreement, Oracle and Dell will carry out their full-scale cooperation in fields of sales, investment, joint support, and certification.

"Dell and Oracle have long supported a low-cost, standards-based approach to enterprise computing," said Loke Soon Choo, regional managing director for Oracle Greater China.

"With more than 22,000 Oracle-on-Dell installations worldwide, we have clearly demonstrated success in delivering compelling value to a wide range of customers, which we hope to continue as we extend our partnership to the China market," Loke said.

Dell, the third largest PC manufacturer in China, will be Oracle's technology reseller on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kongwhile providing end-to-end Oracle solutions in the country, according to their agreement.

Oracle is now certifying Dell Poweredge servers with Red Flag DC4.0 and Oracle Database 10g at its Beijing-based China Development Center.

According to the partnership agreement, Dell will use its power in direct sales to provide Chinese customers with Oracle products while both sides have formed special teams to collaboratively carry out activities including cross training, joint marketing andsales tracking.

"Our partnership with Dell does not mean closing the door for cooperation with other computer manufacturers," Loke said.

The two computer giants will also join hands in developing software that helps companies to lower the operating costs in China.

(Xinhua News  Agency  March 20, 2004)