In addition, users will be able to adopt OSN without tossing out their favorite collaboration tools, according to Kershaw.

"Today Outlook is still the collaboration client of choice for many, many companies," he said. "We have a very sophisticated integration with Outlook that lets you work fully from within Oracle Social Network," he said.

Customers can also expect mobile applications for Android devices as well as Apple's iPad and iPhone, he said.

One observer offered a measured view of OSN's chances in the marketplace.

"Given that most likely buyers will be the existing customers, social needs to be ingrained at the process level to be successful," said Ray Wang, CEO of Constellation Research, via e-mail. "While Oracle claims that type of integration, the enablement to date seems superficial. On the positive side, Oracle customers will expect enterprise capabilities such as security, scalability, and integration."