The rumoured application service provider (ASP) deal between Telstra & Oracle could potentially launch as early as next year, according to Oracle officials.
Telstra said it is discussing ASP options with a number of players but would not specify individual vendors.
Oracle concedes there have been talks, Telstra has refused to comment on a rumoured ASP deal between the two companies.
Additionally, Phil Kiely, Australian managing director of Oracle, indicated like Telstra it will embark on an ASP initiative, but as for which telco it partners with was yet to be determined.
He said the new partnership would see a potential launch in early 2000.
Stuart McLean, Oracle's general manager for e-business, said there were "numerous" discussions between the companies and that Oracle planned to stake its claim in the ASP market early next year.
"We do intend to be in the ASP market next year by the end of Q1, but that may or may not be with Telstra," he said.
* For the full story, see Computerworld December 3.