He co-founded Software Development Labs in August 1977 with Larry Ellison, and Bob Miner.

[1] Ed Oates graduated with a BA in mathematics from San Jose State University in 1968,[2] and worked at Singer, the US Army Personnel Information Systems Command (PERSINSCOM) (drafted), Ampex, and Memorex before co-founding Oracle.

[3] After retiring from Oracle in 1996 Oates purchased a high-end home theater store, Audible Difference.

[5] In his spare time, Oates skis, builds H0 scale model railroads, and does video work for the Woodside Priory School Theater.

He also plays guitar in the band Choc'd,[6] and participated at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp.