Oracle admits delay to Net database

Vendor postpones launch of internet-ready database system to six months after original 8i release.

Oracle has conceded that 8i, its much vaunted internet-ready database, will ship at the beginning of March - at least two months later than previously expected.

The Internet File System (IFS), which allows users to store and query non-relational data within the database, was due to be part of the original release of 8i but will now ship six months later.

Originally slated for release at the end of December last year, the code developers found that merging the various parts of the database together involved more work than anticipated.

Oracle 8i was seen as a strategic release for the vendor because it strengthens its position of wholly supporting the internet at a time when its leading rival Microsoft is attempting to eat away at Oracle's midrange business with SQL Server 7.

The database represents a big swing away from previous releases because it includes internet-specific functionality. Oracle 8i has a built-in Java development environment, including a Java Virtual Machine and numerous features that Oracle claims address ease of use and installation complexity.

It was understood that when the vendor came to integrate the internet and development tools, it found a number of serious issues that contributed heavily to the delay. Nick Gregory, UK product marketing manager at Oracle, argued: 'This is software - these things happen.'

According to sources, Oracle was known to have been aware of the likelihood of a delay for some weeks but has failed to make a specific announcement.

Analysts said provided the delay was not longer than two months, it should not affect sales.