Oracle Commerce Platform applications require one or more relational database schemas. If you are installing a server for evaluation or development use, you may need only one database schema. The Configuration and Installation Manager (CIM) utility determines what schemas are required and configure them later in this procedure.

If you are installing the Oracle Commerce Platform for evaluation or development use, you can use the MySQL database. This database is installed and configured automatically on Microsoft Windows. You can use the MySQL database on other operating systems but you must install and configure it yourself. See MySQL Databases.

Make sure your database software is running before you use CIM to configure your Oracle Commerce Platform application. To start the MySQL database on Microsoft Windows, select Start > All Programs > Oracle Commerce Platform 11.1 > Tools > Start MySQL Server.

If you need detailed information about databases for a production installation, see Configuring Databases and Database Access.