Oracle has freshened up its database built for mobile devices, adding a couple of new tools that make downloading updates and managing the software easier.

Oracle typically babbles on at length about all the amazing features built into a new version of its software. So, its statement for Database Lite 10g comes as a bit of surprise. Oracle tells customers that this is "the first database to extend the power of grid computing to the mobile workforce" and then veers off into a marketing adventure, peppering readers with analyst and customer quotes. It's not until the last three paragraphs of the rather long press release that Oracle gets to the new features of the software.

Oracle's reticence to talk about the new goodies in Database Lite 10g might be because there are relatively few new goodies to discuss.

The main new feature highlighted by Oracle is the way in which users can update both their data and applications at the same time. Oracle had required customers to endure two, separate synchronizations in the past.

Oracle has also added a bit of flexibility around when new data is downloaded to a mobile device. The latest version of the software will hunt for updates and install them on its own instead of asking the user to perform this task manually. In addition, Database Lite 10g can now determine on its own when a network connection - be it LAN, wireless, satellite or radio - is available.

Along with these update tools, Oracle is touting a new administration package called Mobile Manager. This web-based tool covers all of the major application, system, security and device management tasks. "Features include complete application lifecycle management to develop, provision and deploy mobile applications; advanced client device, diagnostics, configuration and lockdown facilities; and centralized user provisioning and identity management," Oracle said.

Lastly, Oracle reminded customers that its mobile database includes support for all the major Java and .Net developer tools.

We'll let you catch up on the canned analyst and customer quotes on your own.

The new software starts at $100 per named user. ®

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