Oracle Corporation, the largest provider of software for e-business, today opened the doors to the first Oracle OpenWorld of 2001, today through Thursday in Berlin, Germany. The event is expected to be the leading conference for European IT professionals this year, and more than 27,000 delegates have already registered to attend the event held in Berlin, with satellite sites in Madrid, Milan and Paris

The conference will present attendees with more than 250 comprehensive educational sessions that will give them the skills they need to turn any business into an e-business, and help ensure that their company can win the ``War on Complexity'' by streamlining and simplifying organizational computing.

In addition, this event will serve as the European debut of Oracle9i Database, and will introduce into Europe the next major computing model that enables companies to grow their systems on demand without any changes to their applications or data.

As announced June 14, 2001, Oracle9i Database helps companies do more with less technology complexity and less cost. In addition to educational sessions, the conference offers the opportunity to meet up to 150 exhibitors and learn how to take advantage of the latest technological developments created by Oracle's partners.

Oracle® executives at the conference will participate in demonstrations of Oracle's leading-edge server technologies and e-business software, which can help companies benefit even during periods of economic downturn.

There will be a full complement of keynote addresses from senior Oracle executives to round out the conference. Sergio Giacoletto, executive vice president of Oracle's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, will open Oracle OpenWorld 2001 by presenting his vision for e-business across the region.

``The key challenge for companies, organizations and governments everywhere is how to use the Internet effectively,'' said Giacoletto. ``At Oracle OpenWorld, we will offer all attendees the chance to learn how they can improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase revenue by turning to e-business.''

The highlight of the conference is expected to be standing-room-only attendance at a special keynote address by Oracle Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence J. Ellison, who will discuss Oracle9i Database, the most significant technology development at Oracle in nearly two years.

Oracle9i Database, the world's most advanced database, is set to transform the database market. Oracle keynotes will also be delivered by Sohaib Abbasi, senior vice president, Development; Rene Bonvanie, vice president, Oracle9i Marketing; Jeremy Burton, senior vice president, Product & Services Marketing and Joe Tucci, President and CEO, EMC Corporation.

Keynote topics range from the war on complexity to new e-business initiatives, the launch of Oracle9i, and the next stage in a true Internet platform for e-business. Oracle OpenWorld runs from Monday, June 18 through Thursday, June 21, at the ICC Conference Centre in Berlin; June 19 and 20 in Madrid and Milan; and June 20 in Paris.