Oracle continues acquisition spree, gobbles up network management biz Tekelec

Showing its intent to get cozy with wireless carriers, Oracle has agreed to acquire Tekelec, a provider of network signaling, subscriber data management, and policy control, the company announced today.

Tekelec’s software is used to better control wireless network devices and to manage customer data. It is in use by 300 service providers in over 100 countries. Oracle believes Tekelec’s offerings will enhance its “support systems, service delivery platforms, and business support systems.”

Oracle expects to add Tekelec’s services to the capabilities of networking technology company Acme Packet — which it agreed to acquire in February for $2.1 billion — and it will join the Oracle Communications unit of Oracle.

“As connected devices and applications become ubiquitous, intelligent network and service control technologies are required to enable service providers to efficiently deploy all-IP networks, and deliver and monetize innovative communication services,” Bhaskar Gorti, SVP and GM of Oracle Communications, said in a statement. “The combination of Oracle and Tekelec will provide service providers with the most complete solution to manage their businesses across customer engagement, business and network operations, service delivery, and end-user applications.”

The Tekelec deal is part of an aggressive acquisition spree that Oracle has pursued for the past year and a half. Two weeks ago, Oracle agreed to buy cloud management software business Nimbula. In February, Oracle announced its intent to buy Acme Packet for $2.1 billion. And in 2012, Oracle announced agreements to purchase 11 companies, including high-profile buys of Taleo, Eloqua, Vitrue, and Skire.

Oracle CEO Larry Ellison photo via Oracle PR/Flickr