Oracle Database 10g Express Edition (Oracle Database XE) is an entry-level, small-
footprint spatial database that's free to develop, deploy, and distribute; fast to 
download; and simple to administer. Oracle Locator is a feature of Oracle XE that 
provides core geospatial functionality needed to deploy location-based services 
(LBS) and GIS solutions, from business intelligence web portals and CRM to 
utilities, transportation, and land management applications.  Locator is supported 
by the leading commercial and open source GIS and LBS technologies, including 
MapServer, MapGuide, GeoServer, GeoTools, GRASS, GDAL, and Deegree.  With Oracle 
Database XE, developers, ISVs, DBAs, and students can now develop and deploy 
geospatial applications with a powerful, proven, industry-leading infrastructure 
that has been adopted by 80-90% of medium to large organizations using spatial 
database management systems, such as state and local government portals, national 
cadasters, and insurance companies. This paper highlights the value propositions 
for using this free database for developing robust geospatial applications:  easy, 
open access to location assets across users, departments, organizations; and 
secure, manageable, performant data management.  It also provides an overview of 
the Locator capabilities in Oracle Database XE, including an open spatial data 
type; SQL-based location queries and analysis such as proximity, nearest neighbor, 
and distance; and compliance with the OGC Simple Features for SQL, ISO, and SQL/MM 
specifications.