Oracle Acquires BigMachines
In an effort to keep up with the emerging cloud technology market, tech giant Oracle has acquired BigMachines in order to offer CPQ services. CPQ is an industry term that describes the process of “Configure, price and quote.” BigMachines CPQ products help sales professionals create complex, custom orders using cloud technology. While the exact details surrounding the acquisition have not been made public, Oracle expects to report the details later in the year.
Oracle has ramped up its cloud services by acquiring existing companies such as BigMachines. Acquiring BigMachines infrastructure as opposed to building out the infrastructure themselves gives Oracle the edge it needs to be immediately competitive in the global cloud marketplace. BigMachines already had a close working relationship with Oracle. In fact, BigMachines flagship product was built using Java and Oracle databases. With the acquisition of BigMachines and other recently acquired cloud companies such as Nimbula and DataRaker, Oracle’s cloud offerings are now on par with what Force.com offers its clientele.
BigMachines has enjoyed a 13 year stretch as being a private company. Started in 2000 by Godard Abel, BigMachines has accumulated nearly 300 clients including a few Fortune 500 companies such as Coca Cola, Hewlett-Packard and ADP. Godard will not be retained at BigMachines as he has ventured out into other endeavors. With the acquisition of BigMachines, Oracle plans to revolutionize the CPQ arena.
Before acquiring BigMachines, Oracle already had a CPQ product in the works. With the acquisition of BigMachines, Oracle has accelerated this process by being able to offer an industry respected solution under the Oracle banner. Oracle will offer BigMachines products throughout the Oracle Sales Cloud. Current and future clients should not see any impact on their experience with BigMachines as a result of this acquisition. According to a FAQ document posted on the Oracle website, business will continue as usual for those affiliated with BigMachines. The document also says that Oracle will continue to invest in research and development in regards to the BigMachines product line up, third party automation systems and integrations relating to the Oracle Sales Cloud.
