Editor Oates graduated with a Bachelor in mathematics from San Jose State University in 1968, and worked at Singer, the United States Army Personnel Information Systems Command (PERSINSCOM) (drafted), Ampex, and Memorex before co-founding Oracle.
He co-founded Software Development Labs in August 1977 with Larry Ellison, and Bob Miner. Software Development Labs later became Oracle Corporation. After retiring from Oracle in 1996 Oates purchased a high-end home theater store, In 1999 he sold
Oates volunteers time on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Zoological Society and the Tower Foundation Board of San Jose State University.
In his spare time Editor skis, builds H0 scale model railroads and does video work for the Woodside Priory School Theater.
He also plays in the band Choc"daughter Mr. Oates is a guitarist in the band CHOC"Doctorate, he has also participated at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp.
