The Future of Oracle and AI: What’s Next for Our Community

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just reshaping the tech landscape — it’s redefining Oracle’s entire ecosystem. As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the convergence of Oracle’s powerful data platforms with rapidly advancing AI capabilities is opening opportunities the NZOUG community has never seen before.

From Autonomous Database to the new era of Oracle AI, the future is not only exciting — it’s transformational.

AI at the Core of Oracle’s Strategy

Oracle has now moved past simply “integrating” AI into its products. AI is becoming the foundational layer that powers everything from infrastructure to applications.

Key directions we’re already seeing:

1. AI-Native Databases

Oracle’s Autonomous Database keeps evolving with built-in generative AI models, vector search, and in-database machine learning. Soon, we’ll see fully AI-driven data lifecycle management, where tuning, security, optimization, and anomaly detection happen continuously and autonomously — no manual intervention required.

2. GenAI Across the Oracle Cloud Stack

Oracle is rapidly embedding Generative AI into its cloud services: APEX, Fusion Apps, OCI, analytics, healthcare, and industry workloads. Expect these capabilities to become seamless and ubiquitous — not features, but standard expectations.

3. Open AI Partnerships and Cross-Cloud Interoperability

Oracle’s partnerships with OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Microsoft Azure are just the beginning. Cross-cloud AI training, shared model hosting, and hybrid workflows will become the norm. For NZ organisations, this means access to enterprise-grade AI without vendor lock-in.

APEX + AI: Building the Next Generation of Smart Apps

APEX developers are entering a golden era.

We’re seeing:

• Native GenAI APIs

• Autonomous SQL correction and code suggestions

• Vector search capabilities

• AI-grounded form generation

• Automated testing, documentation, and refactoring

The result?

Applications that aren’t just low-code — they’re intelligent by default.

Imagine APEX apps that analyse user behaviour, generate new UI elements, predict workloads, or automatically create business insights. That future is already emerging.

AI for Data Leaders and DBAs

DBAs and data professionals aren’t being replaced — they’re being elevated.

Oracle’s AI-driven operations will shift the role toward:

• Data governance and ethics

• Model oversight and validation

• AI optimisation and cost management

• Cross-platform data strategy

• Prompt engineering and generative workflows

AI reduces grunt work but increases the importance of expertise. NZOUG members will be uniquely positioned to guide businesses through this transition.

What This Means for New Zealand Organisations

NZ businesses — from enterprise to SME — are already engaging with Oracle AI for:

• Customer insights and personalisation

• Automated financial processes

• Operational optimisation

• Modernisation of legacy systems

• Faster application development

But the next wave will be even more impactful.

Expect broader adoption of AI-powered ERP, APEX-based AI apps, trustworthy data governance frameworks, and ethical AI practices aligned with Te Ao Māori values — an area NZOUG is strongly positioned to lead.

Where NZOUG Is Heading Next

As the landscape accelerates, NZOUG will continue supporting the community with:

• Deep-dive AI + Oracle workshops

• Showcases of practical AI use cases

• APEX AI hands-on labs

• Partnered industry events

• Māori data sovereignty perspectives and frameworks

• Speaker sessions on the future of GenAI in Oracle Cloud

Our aim is simple: empower Aotearoa’s Oracle professionals to thrive in the new AI-driven world.

Final Thoughts

Oracle and AI are no longer parallel paths — they are now deeply intertwined.

As these technologies evolve, the NZOUG community has a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and help shape how AI is responsibly adopted across Aotearoa.

The future of Oracle and AI is bright — and NZOUG will be right at the centre of it.