Last Monday was havoc for commuters of San Francisco as the major thoroughfares were closed to traffic and 129,000 square feet of tents stood in the middle of the busy streets. It was not a political party campaign or a riot, but the Oracle Open World Convention that launched the new version of iPhone. An overflowing supply of beer was provided for the 45,000 people who graced the occasion.
Oracle, a company vendor for database management software made sure that they will make a clear statement in this event. Sgt. Michael Andraychak of the San Francisco police department said. “We have had bigger events in San Francisco — the World Series, the All-Star Game — but that is about it.”
Although Oracle’s Database 11g is not considered a household name it continues to bring in annual revenue of $36.5 billion dollars for the company. This event is proof enough that Oracle is at the heart of the technology business.
In spite of the global economic crisis and with other industries struggling to make an income, Oracle’s gathering is evidence that there is hope for the economy in the technology business. Oracle being able to come up with a huge event that can equal the population of Hackensack, N.J. is a testament of a bright future for the IT business.
Oracle used to hold events in America and Asia, but this enormous gathering is a first. The San Francisco festival was uniquely staged to create a colossal tech party for everyone including those who travelled from different States. Oracle also had in mind their tech partners of 500 computer manufacturers, consultants and industry fanatics, so they provided several booth spaces for them to do their own tech setup. The concert last Wednesday had various artists like Tom Perry, Sting, English Beat and Ferris wheel. The event will last until Thursday of this week.
Oracle has pioneered in making huge data in what is now called engineered systems, combining both Internet e-commerce and internal data management.
Some of the key business establishment s at the heart of San Francisco opened even on a Sunday like One Market Restaurant. Larry Bouchard, the general manager said “They have their expense accounts, so their tastes buds are elevated.”
Other establishments had to spend money to prepare for this gigantic event. The W Hotel spent $5 million dollars on the remodeling of their lobby and restaurant alone. Kristiann Galati, the director for sales and marketing, said room reservations have all been sold out for the entire month.
Peter Zernik, a VIP host at the Gold Club said he expects to get at least $100 million revenue from the Oracle event participants of the Open World. He said “A businessman can close a deal here, and have a good time later. The city looks forward to it and so do I. I make my living on commissions.”
