1.   But the relational database market is growing rapidly.

2.   IBM recently stepped up its efforts in the distributed database market, particularly Unix.

3.   Informix maintains only a sliver of the database market dominated by Oracle Corp., Microsoft Corp. and IBM.

4.   Industry experts say Informix is in a difficult position as it attempts to regain momentum in its database software markets and retain customer loyalty.

5.   It is easy to see why the database market has begun to matter to Microsoft.

6.   Internet banking, as well as the wireless database market, will be two focal points for the company as it moves forward, said Chen.

7.   Meanwhile, software powerhouse Microsoft has entered the database market, with a low-cost program called SQL Server for its Windows NT operating system.

8.   Most also retained positive ratings on Oracle and Informix, citing the underlying strength of the database management market.

9.   Oracle competes with Informix Corp. and Sybase Inc. in the database market.

10.   Scocozza said the company is concentrating more resources in that area because of the maturing database market.