I think there’s a good chance that Oracle might acquire INFA, exactly as you point out, and I mentioned that (“there’s also been a lot of speculation about Oracle buying Informatica”).

I think the external content providers like D&B, Equifax, Experian and Axciom are absolutely necessary. I think of external content as one of the Five Essential Elements for success in MDM. MDM may be the engine, but high quality internal information and external content is the fuel.

Thanks for pointing that out, and thanks for your comment!

As always a great post at providing a snapshot of the current MDM landscape. In regards to what may happen next for Oracle. You state that Oracle may replace or reduce the reliance on Informatica’s components. Here’s a crazy thought why wouldn’t Oracle acquire INFA at some point. Oracle has been known to purchase competitors as well as companies with unique capabilities that they would like in the past.

On another note, I often wonder where the providers of what I would consider Master Data fall? For example there is D&B, Equifax and Experian who provide business information or information on individuals. I understand the need to have all the right technology in place, but as companies implement MDM solutions don’t they also need the ability to have high quality third party information flowing through their pipes so to speak to ensure the quality of their Master Data?

Just a couple of additional thoughts.

Thanks again for your writings, I find them very useful.

Eric