Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Oracle Corporation (ORCL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Steve C. who wrote (7233)	5/29/1998 11:20:00 AM
From: Lizzie Tudor	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 19080

Steve, interesting that you removed the reference to me not understanding what you are talking about. I have no problem with people questioning my background or knowledge. I have a very different take on processware, open components, etc. btw. I don't think its worthwhile for Oracle. It requires an "open" set of components, which means cooperation between companies. Well that is fine in theory. Lets take a business process example. 3-way match. This is where purchasing, receiving and invoice (AP) come together to decide to pay somebody. The problem is, if your AP is Baan, and your purchasing oracle, and shipping SAP - not likely but just for argument sake - you've got a 3 vendor circular reference you have to code for, in some std way. Theres just so many variables, some companies pay at receipt, some at 30 days regardless, and what about returns? A huge mess. Who knows if Crossworlds will be able to solve this - I kinda doubt it. These intra-enterprise transactions are like spagetti code all the way. And mgmt never, never wants their in house app to dictate their business processes. So this is a big nut to crack. But you know what? I don't think it matters! Don't even waste time on this mess - especially for Oracle that has so many other problems. Heres the situation - there are 4 ERP players, one of which is declining (Baan). Oracle is also declining. SAP and PSFT are growing, but there is not really a trend to put say, the PSFT financial system in with SAP order mgmt. Well it happens, sure, but not that often. The point being, there is consolidation towards one vendor occuring within the intranet. But here is something that CAN be automated, and will add value, and maybe Oracle can leverage it and make some money. Open transaction interfaces within the extranet. These are your trading partners. Your trading partner might have Baan or Psft if you have Oracle. Oracle should be able to fire off an extranet transaction to the trading partner PSFT app and commit it. Now that would be worthwhile - and its doable! Extranet transactions are simpler than intranet ones. And in some ways, even more strategic. (If Oracle had an SCM strategy they'd know this). So to paraphase, dont waste time with processware within the enterprise, too complex + no added revenue + big apps consolidation anyway, instead focus on extranet processware with trading partners which is doable and represents the future anyway. Michelle