Thanks Jeff. . .As for Oracle, I don't really follow them that closely. . . reason being, that I think the software world is moving quickly toward Linux. Oracle wants to embrace it, but so do many others. . .so there is a sort of race to see who can cash in on this operating system open door.
Microsoft's NT is getting blasted from all sides. And even tho Oracle has a better product, in my opinion, the server/networking world is leapfroging them and running toward Linux. I would not want to be the CEO of a major software company at this time. . .how do you explain to your shareholders that the world is moving toward an operating system that is virtually free. . .and how do you create a competitive strategy? With IBM, Sun, Hewlett-Packard and who knows who else. . all wanting to get a piece of the Linux action, if I were Oracle's CEO. . I would play the Linux game, but focus most of my attention on software for something else, perhaps broadband streaming video/audio or desktop apps that perform widespread net searches or other "automatic" functions.
I realize that this does not satisfy your question, but you may notice that I don't talk much about Sun, MSFT and Oracle. That is not by accident. I think the peaks have been hit and it is downhill from here for operating systems and networking software. Back office is dominated by MSFT. . .many former professional office applications are now available for desktops at low prices. . .what is left?
Unless you are LEADING the pack with the NEXT technology, you will be following. . .and the followers are not the ones that make the money in the software game.
Hope this helps,
Rande Is |
