A service-oriented architecture - which Oracle claims gives users the ability to uniquely manage functions across a heterogeneous environment.
A role-based user experience - that links exception-based processing, business intelligence, transactions and collaboration.
Embedded business intelligence - which Oracle says allows users to use BI within enterprise applications.
What does Oracle's release of Fusion Applications mean for its customers?
After acquiring numerous rival ERP, CRM, HR and middleware platforms over the years, Oracle is finally linking together its enterprise software portfolio, under Fusion, a service-oriented architecture which could rewrite the rulebook on how enterprise software is acquired and pulled together.
Fusion Applications, which took six years to develop, constitutes Oracle's JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft and Siebel systems, including functions such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and human resource systems. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison said more than 100 products are now available on the platform.
During the launch, Ellison also announced a public cloud to host its Fusion Applications, Fusion Middleware and Oracle Database, but subscription pricing information has not yet been released. This slew of announcements has given customers much to digest.
Debra Lilley, head of the Oracle UK User Group (UKOUG), said the feedback among early adopters of Fusion has so far been positive. "There have been rumblings about whether it is going to be expensive, but people are starting to listen to messages that this is how upgrades work," she said.
Oracle has never hidden the fact that to implement the Fusion suite customers will need to build the platform themselves, with Oracle providing the script for the migration, said Lilley, but most people are going to adopt a coexistence approach.
"I'm no more scared of Fusion than any other implementation - it's not going to be any more complicated. The technology isn't new, it's been around for a couple of years, but if a company hasn't looked at things like business intelligence (BI) it will be a culture shock."