News briefs

Oracle to Buy Database Vendor

Oracle has agreed to buy TimesTen, which makes software for boosting the performance of database applications used for stock trading, airline reservations and other areas where fast response times are critical. Whereas customers use Oracle’s database to store large volumes of information in back-end systems, TimesTen’s products store a subset of that data in memory in the applications tier, where it can be accessed more quickly. Enterprises are warming to in-memory databases to create “real-time dashboards.”

JBoss Updates Partner Program

JBoss is reorganizing its partner program and considering moves into new types of software, including tools for building rich client interfaces, as it prepares to fend off increased competition from other providers of open-source middleware. The changes to the JBoss certified-partner program will help customers find the most-qualified providers in areas such as consulting, training, and support services for JBoss products.

Nortel Eyes Outlook Multimedia

Nortel Networks reached out to enterprises with multimedia communications software, announcing a plug-in for Microsoft Outlook that allows companies to integrate voice and other forms of communication with the widely used e-mail client. The plug-in, called the Multimedia Office Client, lets employees use voice, video, and text messaging through Outlook.