Oracle Further Orchestrates Its SOA Forays
Part Six: Weaknesses and User Recommendations
P.J. Jakovljevic - March 19, 2005

Weaknesses

Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ: ORCL) has a stalwart application server and database. Its database is a major platform within the SAP and PeopleSoft install base and its back-office applications are also well respected in certain vertical markets. Moreover, Oracle is enjoying a 57 percent increase in application sales in its most recent quarter. Yet despite these accomplishments, its applications business is still behind the market leader, SAP. Even the PeopleSoft addition and the impressive Oracle E-Business Suite 11i.10 release will not likely help Oracle leapfrog over the competition. While Oracle E-Business Suite is the best-attuned offering in terms of pricing, vertical extensions, customizability, professional service approach, etc. it primarily appeals to the needs of large, Oracle-religious enterprises, or to brand new sites. The real “magic bullet” to attract smaller enterprises or enterprises with a bundle of disparate technologies and partners has yet to be produced...