Another session will discuss how Oracle's recently released NoSQL database, which is part of the Big Data Appliance, makes a complementary, "perfect fit" alongside Oracle's main database.

MySQL users will get plenty of fodder at OpenWorld as well. In fact, Oracle has created a separate MySQL Connect conference, co-located with the main event. Seventy-six sessions were listed for MySQL Connect as of Monday, highlighted by a "State of the Dolphin" road map keynote (referring to MySQL's logo) featuring Oracle vice president Tomas Ulin and Oracle chief corporate architect Edward Screve.

Oracle's next-generation Fusion Applications are linked to about 100 sessions slated for OpenWorld so far. Attendees can expect a wealth of details on new Fusion product road maps, as well as "co-existence" strategies for rolling out Fusion alongside Oracle's other business applications.

There's more emphasis on sessions covering Fusion Applications implementation and support methods as well, whereas in past years the focus was more on familiarizing showgoers with Fusion Applications' architecture and features.