Oracle became the most widely used database in many businesses due to several strategic and technological factors:

1. Early Market Entry: Oracle was one of the first companies to develop and sell a commercial relational database, launching its Oracle Database in 1979. This early start allowed it to establish a strong foothold in the market before many of its competitors.
2. Commitment to SQL: Oracle adopted SQL (Structured Query Language) early on, which became the standard language for managing and querying databases. This adherence to SQL helped Oracle integrate more easily with numerous applications and systems, increasing its appeal to a wide range of businesses.
3. Robust Technology: Oracle’s database technology is known for its scalability, reliability, and performance, which are crucial for enterprise-level applications. It can handle large volumes of data and complex transactions, making it a preferred choice for large organizations and critical applications.
4. Comprehensive Solutions: Oracle has continually expanded its product offerings to include not just database solutions, but also middleware, storage, and cloud solutions. This holistic approach has enabled Oracle to provide end-to-end solutions, which are attractive to businesses looking to consolidate their IT infrastructure under a single vendor.
5. Strategic Acquisitions: Oracle has made numerous strategic acquisitions over the years, including companies like Sun Microsystems and PeopleSoft. These acquisitions not only expanded its product line but also brought in a broad customer base and integrated additional technologies into its ecosystem.
6. Focus on Enterprise Customers: Oracle has focused predominantly on large enterprise customers, offering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of these large entities, including banking, telecommunications, and government sectors.
7. Global Reach and Strong Sales Network: Oracle established a strong global presence with a widespread sales and support network. This global reach has enabled it to serve multinational corporations effectively and become a key player in markets around the world.
8. Transition to Cloud Computing: Oracle has been actively transitioning to cloud-based services, adapting to the shift in how companies consume technology. Its Oracle Cloud offers a comprehensive range of cloud services and applications, appealing to businesses moving their operations to the cloud.

These factors combined have helped Oracle maintain its position as a leading database provider in the business world.