Press Information:
Jesse Theodore, Esri
Tel.: 909-793-2853, extension 1-1419
E-mail (press only): press@Esri.com

SDE Version 3.0.1 for Oracle Is Now Shipping

Universal Spatial Server Supports Oracle8 and Windows NT Platform

Redlands, California--Esri, the world leader in geographic information system (GIS) and mapping software, announced today the availability of Spatial Database Engine (SDE) Version 3.0.1 for the Oracle universal data server. SDE Version 3.0.1 for Oracle adds several new features and confirms Esri's commitment to open GIS solutions.

Three new features are included with SDE Version 3.0.1 for Oracle. First, it supports both Oracle7 and Oracle8. Secondly, Intel Windows NT Servers are supported. Also new to Version 3.0.1 for Oracle is the ability to load ArcInfo coverages, ArcInfo LIBRARIAN layers, and ArcStorm layers directly into an SDE layer without conversion into an intermediate file format. ArcInfo is Esri's professional GIS software and is the de facto standard for GIS around the world. SDE, a middle-tier application server, is a core component of Esri's three-tier product architecture for an enterprise GIS. When matched with appropriate client software, SDE provides a single common interface between the user and the diverse collection of geographic data that exists within the organization. SDE is a universal spatial server delivering geographic data to any client from both file-based and database management system (DBMS)-based sources.

SDE allows organizations to realize the benefits of central DBMS management of spatial data such as multilevel security, backup recovery, and failover handling. Workgroup SDE for Oracle works with the DBMS to give users open, standards-based, distributed, multiuser spatial data management capabilities. SDE extends the number of users who can be supported with traditional NFS file mounting and provides faster query response as compared to a large, traditional, tiled GIS database.

Reflecting the interest in SDE by organizations of varying sizes, SDE Version 3.0.1 for Oracle will be available in two versions-Workgroup SDE and Enterprise SDE. Workgroup SDE allows organizations with a modest number of concurrent users to implement a universal spatial server at a special reduced price. SDE provides a single reference point for client applications to access numerous data types. SDE stores and manages all types of spatial data within a common framework or spatial data repository. This includes GIS, CAD, and image data with Geographic Business Systems' Image Engine. According to Esri's SDE Product Manager John Baleja, SDE lowers the cost associated with managing geographic data by simplifying database design, administration, and geographic data distribution.

"Esri is the only organization that provides a single solution for geographic data management across each major commercial DBMS platform," says Baleja. "We will continue to evolve with the DBMS industry. Organizations using SDE are assured their investment will remain in synch with the rest of their IS infrastructure."

The client/server architecture of SDE allows for access by multiple client applications. Esri features a number of mapping and GIS client software such as ArcInfo, ArcView GIS, ArcExplorer, MapObjects, and SDE CAD Client. In addition, a growing number of third party client application software is becoming available.

Both Workgroup SDE and Enterprise SDE for Oracle are bundled with ArcView GIS for Windows and a MapObjects developers license. ArcView GIS is a ready-to-use mapping client, while MapObjects is a collection of mapping and GIS components for Windows application developers.

Availability
SDE Version 3.0.1 for Oracle is now shipping. For more information or to order SDE, please call Esri at 1-800-447-9778 or contact your local Esri office or international distributor.