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Technology Stocks : PSFT - Fiscal 1998 - Discussion for the next year -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Melissa McAuliffe who wrote (298)	3/25/1998 12:37:00 PM
From: Rick	Respond to of 4509

I agree that the Ellison move has a look of desperation. I would be very concerned if I were an Oracle shareholder - it makes you wonder how far the accounting wizards had to stretch last quarter to support Larry's optimistic projections about database sales. Rightly or wrongly, Oracle has acquired the reputation of aggressively selling vaporware and caring more about enriching itself than of customer service. Part of the reputation can certainly be traced to the outward arrogance of Larry Ellison. Contrast this with Duffield and Peoplesoft - completely different company persona with customer service at the forefront. Arrogant, hard-driving types like Ellison ultimately shoot themselves in the foot - As a long-term shareholder I'll take Duffields approach anyday. Even if Oracle's applications were superior functionally or technically (the market says "NOT"), they will always suffer from the desire of most companies not to tie too much of the business to one vendor. When Peoplesoft comes in and says "our app runs on whatever database engine that you as the customer desire (due to investments or employee skills)" and Oracle says "buy our app, but you have to buy our database also" what is a smart business person going to do all other things equal ? I know which I would choose (all other things equal, of course. This is not an invitation to debate specific functions, features, etc. because I am ignorant at that level of detail). Rick. Anyway, for what it's worth I have been long strike 30 calls (April and July) for about 6 months. It has been a helluva ride and I am considering selling 60's as a hedge next week after the 7.5 Release shin-dig in New York - I would think we'll see a positive bump out of this. I believe this is the first opportunity for Peoplesofts new PR Firm to show off its talents - I would think they are highly incented to put on a good show.