Oracle Continues Move to Customer-Facing Apps With FatWire Buy

The terms "Oracle Corp." and "Web experience" aren't often used in the same sentence, but that's all changing now.

The huge database and IT infrastructure provider June 21 revealed that it is buying Mineola, N.Y.-based FatWire Software, which describes itself as a provider of  "Web experience management solutions." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed by either company.

Breaking down the "Web experience" declaration: FatWire provides both software tools and accompanying services. Its nine tools for content management include a content server, an engagement server, a mobility server, digital asset management and others.

On its services side, FatWire architects, designs, develops and deploys content-centric applications and Websites for its customers on a global basis. 

FatWire, founded in 1996, has about 500 enterprise customers in verticals that include financial services, media, technology, manufacturing, public sector, retail, and health care.

Oracle, which since the 2010 acquisition of Sun Microsystems has been mostly focused on developing its IT data center infrastructure business, has made two buys in the last six months that indicate the company is now looking to engage in other markets.

In addition to the FatWire deal, Redwood City, Calif.-based Oracle bought e-commerce software maker Art Technology Group in November 2010 for $1 billion. ATG provided Oracle with customer-facing applications, including analytics, click-to-call and call tracking features, aimed at helping customers navigate Oracle's growing Web presence.

"FatWire solutions ... offer a targeted and interactive online experience across Web and mobile channels," said FatWire President and CEO Yogesh Gupta. "This acquisition is expected to provide FatWire customers with expanded products and services to help them achieve their online customer experience goals."

Oracle said the FatWire deal is expected to close in the next few weeks.