Industry briefs

Oracle's focus back from NCs to databaseOracle officials have confirmed that CEO Larry Ellison plans to tone down his network computer (NC) evangelising and pay more attention to the company's flagship database business. The move follows two straight quarters of single-digit growth in database sales for Oracle.

Apple board want Jobs to stay as CEO

The small step Apple Computer took this year when it formally announced a first quarter profit of $US47 million is viewed by many Apple board members and executives as evidence Steve Jobs should stay in the company's top spot, officials said.

Digital feels Asia-Pacific pinch

Digital Equipment has been stung by the Asia-Pacific financial crisis but nonetheless secured net income of just under $US75 million for the second quarter, Digital officials said.

Top database makers facing dilemma

Relational database makers have seen better days. Issues such as market saturation, poor marketing, foreign currency crises, and even year 2000 concerns are taking a toll on profits, and causing losses in some instances, at Informix, Oracle, and Sybase.

Peoplesoft to enter outsourcing market

PeopleSoft will attempt to fuel the market for outsourced enterprise applications with a new initiative to be announced by mid-1998. The business-process software maker said its efforts will include the creation of a business unit for sales and service as well as alliances with other outsourcing vendors.