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

To: Lizzie Tudor who wrote (8711)	10/27/1998 5:24:00 PM
From: Jesus A. Castillo	Respond to of 19080

Unless there is some really radical change that would serve as a distraction (e.g. MSFT split into two or more separate companies), I don't think that the outcome of the trial has much impact on Oracle. In other words, I think that the MSFT threat to Oracle is there independently of the trial. I don't expect much to change on the competitive front unless there is a radical structural change. The only impact I can see from the most likely trial outcomes is on the tone that Larry Ellison takes in future speeches/presentations. A Microsoft "loss" means that Larry will crow about that for a while and a Microsoft "win" means that Larry will probably lament the lack of justice (from his perspective) being served. One thing that I have liked over the past six months or so is seeing an increasing focus by Oracle on its core database business. Microsoft cannot be discounted on the competitive front, but I do believe that they will have a tough time against Oracle. Oracle is already the database market leader on NT. Microsoft is much more likely in the short term to further the erosion of market presence for the likes of Informix and Sybase. There will be impact on Oracle, but it's not like Oracle is starting out at a disadvantage to Microsoft on the database front. And given Oracle's competitive tenacity, especially in the database space, we're likely to see continued growth for its database sales even in the face of Microsoft making some gains. I am not overly focused on the Oracle/Microsoft battle; for the most part it's a lot of bluster. The more Oracle focuses on simply executing in it's core business, rather than on the perceptions that Microsoft tries to create, the better position Oracle will be in. Apps of course is a another story; unless Microsoft decides to purchase an apps company (if it even can). So, I'm not too worried about the trial over the course of the next nine to twelve months. The whole process, including appeals, will probably not even be over by then anyway. Just my thoughts, Jesse

To: Lizzie Tudor who wrote (8711)	10/27/1998 9:09:00 PM
From: MeDroogies	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 19080

I have been opposed to the DOJ suit for some time. However, I feel that my mind is changing for several reasons. It has come to my attention (via work related situations and other sources) that MSFT has engaged in some VERY underhanded and SUSPICIOUS behavior. For example, giving a 3-D demonstration using (unbeknownst to the viewers) an SGI box running UNIX and claiming it was Windows NT utilizing one of Bill's recent software purchases. Also, I personally had a vendor pitch a product in which the Netscape logo popped up, when he claimed that it was running IE. Upon questioning, MSFT had made him sign a contract that prevented him from mentioning that he used Netscape to overcome IE's deficiencies..... I was shocked and dismayed, to say the least. I believe the market will destroy MSFT in time....but it is likely - with all their money - that MSFT could fend off EVERY potential threat for some time to come. Would that be truly efficient? No, and it would eventually wear them down. However, if they continue to grow....it could be fait accompli - Bill may well rule the world, UNLESS something is done. I think ORCL would benefit if MSFT is broken up, and forced to split off its OS as a separate company. That would mean the MSFT's primary method of forcing people to use its crap products would be gone. MSFT's database products are such bs, that would open up the way for ORCL to clear the decks. I am hoping that something of this nature occurs. ORCL would be in great shape if it does.