Oracle
General Company Info
Founded by Lawrence Ellison in 1977, Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the second-largest software company
in the world. The firm sells database and infrastructure software, including application server technology
and development tools. It also offers a suite of applications that includes enterprise resource planning and
customer relationship management software. Oracle adheres to three principles (simplify, standardize,
and automate) in both its operations and software, backing its products with a large support and
maintenance organization. In the United States, the company markets its products and services primarily
through its own direct sales and service organization, and internationally through the companies that are
members of the Oracle Partner Network. According to Oracle, consolidation in the business software
industry is the wisest move. Following a lengthy takeover battle, Oracle acquired rival PeopleSoft in
January 2005. A year later it acquired Siebel Systems. It is a component of the S&P 500 & Nasdaq 100.
Headquarters: Redwood City, CA
Employment: 41,658 people
2005 Sales: $11.8 Billion
200 Net Income: $2.9 Billion
Software Overview
Database – Oracle Database 10g, the first database designed for Grid Computing, is the world's most
popular software for collecting and organizing information. Oracle Database delivers performance,
scalability, availability, and security at the lowest possible cost of ownership.
Applications – Oracle applications automate, streamline, and simplify all your business processes and put
all your business information in one place — so your enterprise can share high-quality, consistent data in
real time.
Fusion Middleware – Oracle Fusion Middleware is a portfolio of leading, standards-based, and customerproven software products, including J2EE and developer tools, integration services, business intelligence,
collaboration, and content management. It offers complete support for Grid Computing and ServiceOriented Architecture (SOA).
Enterprise Manager – With Oracle Enterprise Manager, customers can manage business applications,
end-user services, and their entire grid and SOA infrastructure as easily as managing one application
running on one computer.
In the news
April 19, 2006 - Oracle announced the latest release of Oracle CRM On Demand, extending its industry
leadership in CRM and On Demand. Oracle CRM On Demand Release 10, based on Siebel's awardwinning hosted CRM application, delivers a comprehensive CRM solution for companies seeking
powerful sales, marketing and service functionality. Oracle CRM On Demand is both rapidly deployable
and cost-effective, in a secure, hosted environment.
April 19, 2006 (PRNewswire-FirstCall) - Oracle announced it has become the first enterprise software
provider to receive global certification under the new J.D. Power and Associates Certified Technology
Service & Support Program for its worldwide Support business, encompassing 17 hubs on 5 continents.
This distinction recognizes Oracle for delivering an outstanding customer service experience worldwide.
Oracle was also the first enterprise software provider to receive the certification in North America.
April 18, 2006 (Asia Pulse Businesswire) - In a move towards picking up a majority stake in Mumbaibased i-flex Solutions Ltd (BSE:532466), software giant Oracle Corp, through its investment arm Oracle
Global Mauritius, has acquired a 3.2 per cent stake, raising its total stake in the company to 50.6 per cent.
Oracle has acquired the 2.4 million shares through open market trading during March 27 to April 13.
April 5, 2006 - The next fiscal year consensus EPS estimate has changed from 0.92 to 0.91.
March 27, 2006 - The current fiscal year consensus EPS estimate has changed from 0.77 to 0.78.
Top Competitors
IBM - world's top provider of computer products and services.
Microsoft - world's #1 software company provides a variety of products and services.
SAP - leading provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Sources: Company website, Hoovers.com, Morningstar.com, and Yahoo! Finance