Software Development Laboratories (SDL) was founded by Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates in Redwood Shores, California, with the goal of creating a powerful database management system. This initiative arose from their shared vision of transforming how businesses handle and retrieve data. Ellison, having been inspired by a paper on relational database systems written by Edgar F. Codd, saw the potential for innovation in organizing information more effectively. Over the next few years, SDL began developing a prototype database system that was more advanced than the existing systems of the time. Their early product, initially named Oracle, aimed to deliver the promise of relational databases, which was a product that could facilitate easier access and management of data for businesses. With their technological ambition aligned, the founders sought initial investment and support to propel their venture forward. As SDL evolved, it began rebranding itself as Oracle Corporation in 1982 to reflect its flagship product, thereby cementing its identity in the software development industry. This foundational moment marked the beginning of a company that would go on to become a leader in database technology and enterprise software solutions.