Oracle Fusion Middleware: what's in a name?

28 Aug 2008 by Simon Haslam (in General)

<middleware trivia ahead!>

Have you noticed the abbreviation "OFM" being used for Oracle Fusion Middleware recently? I keep seeing it on Oracle's post-BEA merger slides etc so I assume it is now company policy.

I think we like to have TLAs for things (and I'm sure I read once that we perceive more beauty in odd numbers) but, post-OAS, most people I know have been using FMW for short. I suppose, strictly speaking, that should be FM as 'middleware' is one (invented) word, although you could argue that HW and SW are common abbreviations so it's hardly setting a precedent. Generally speaking Oracle does seem to like having the company name prefix for products (OEM, OID, OAM) though you do see examples without (RAC, EBS).

I understand that with 11g the media set/installer will be called Oracle Fusion Middleware - afterall we've now had a good couple of years to get used to the term! Presumably when you run it you'll be asked if you want an "Application Server" (i.e. JEE server - WLS or OC4J based), "SOA Suite" or "Business Intelligence" type of install, though quite how the various editions of WebLogic will be presented remains to be seen.

Oh, and by the way, don't expect this blog URL to change to suit this new convention...