Anybody get stuck with Oracle software?

[caddmannq]

No, not me.
But the state of California did: nearly a hundred million dollars worth. Which they can't/don't use.

"It's amusing, in an appalling sort of way, to watch Gov. Davis and his top aides scramble to shun responsibility for the Oracle Corp. computer software scandal. It stretches credulity to the snapping point for Davis' spinners to insist that the governor was completely unaware that his administration was signing a massive computer software deal with Oracle, especially because Oracle delivered a $25,000 campaign contribution to the governor's treasury just days after the contract was signed."
The Fresno Bee (http://www.fresnobee.com/dwb_search/index.html?target=oracle&collection=Current&x=4&y=7)
So, does anybody actually use this stuff? Or is Oracle just something big businesses and governments buy to "trade favors"???

[caddmannq]

Well, now Governor Gray Davis claims that he never knew anything about the "Oracle deal." In order to investigate the matter with a clear conscience, he said he will give back the $25,000.

California Attorney General Bill Lockyer said he will give back his $50,000 contribution from Oracle, so that he may also investigate without undue influence.

The sad thing is that these guys are actually fooling some people.

<edit...spelling>

[wizofid]

yes it is!
wiz

[caddmannq]

Hmmm...they've revealed that instead of bringing a return on investment, that they are going to go another $41 million in the hole for installation, service & support.

By "they" I mean "We. The taxpayer."

Ugh. :(

[caddmannq]

(from InfoWorld: )

ORACLE ON TARGET FOR FOURTH QUARTER

Posted June 05, 2002 05:45 Pacific Time

REDWOOD SHORES, CALIFORNIA - Squashing rumors that
Oracle might miss analysts' earnings targets for its
fiscal fourth quarter, its chairman and chief
executive officer Wednesday said the company is on
queue to meet Wall Street's projected numbers.

Speaking at Oracle's Redwood Shores, California,
headquarters for the launch of the latest version of
its Oracle9i database, Larry Ellison railed on
financial analysts over their recent speculation,
calling them "irresponsible."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Irresponsible? How could they think that when Ellison owns the best public officials money can buy?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Fielding questions about Oracle's controversial software deal with the state of California, which state auditors have said could cost taxpayers $41 million more than they needed to spend, Ellison called it a "sad situation."

"This deal really is a fabulous deal for the state," he said, adding that under the terms agreed to he had expected California to save roughly $100 million.

The state this week issued a revised audit report, according to an Oracle statement Wednesday, estimating that California will now save more than $10 million from the deal over 10 years.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yeah, right. We're gonna save $10 Million by investing $91 million, (plus training costs, installation, debugging, etc. which will be millions more for certain) and it's gonna take ten years to do it? I'd certainly avoid any investment that did that poorly.

And who do you think was behind that upbeat "revised audit report"? Maybe a certain Governor Gay Davis, who's up for re-election? After all, since he's only allowed to serve another 4 years, who cares if 10-year budget predictions don't come true?

:( :( :( I think I'm gonna puke! :( :( :(

[cmonster3]

Oracle9i Database on Linux is a fast,
reliable and cost-effective way to grow your business without growing
your budget.Oracle supports Linux (http://www.oracle.com/start/linuxgen/intro.html?src=1349575&Act=4) so let's lay the blame squarely where it lies - the politicians, not Oracle.

[caddmannq]

Oracle supports Linux OK...Larry Ellison just went up a notch in my estimation. But I still don't like the guy.

PS: Thanks CMonster.