SAP was hit with a $1.3B judgement it must pay Oracle
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704369304575633150256505376.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews
This is the latest chapter in the long running fight of Larry vs. the Germans. It started with Larry realizing in the late 80's that his company could not rely on relational database revenue alone to get the the lofty position he expected, so they jumped into financial and manufacturing applications. The early versions were weak on functionality but strong on the technology framework. He then took on the SAP chairman on the waters with the first of his high tech designed super yachts, later winner the America's Cup. The 90's saw the two duke it out in the applications world with SAP still being the big winner worldwide.
In 2000, Larry started a new tact, buy all the competition, Peoplesoft, JD Edwards, and old pal Tommy Boy at Siebel. By all measurements Oracle has gained the market share to compete and beat SAP in the global market. But if you know Larry, to quote and old Bond phrase, "The World is Not Enough". He not only wanted to cripple SAP, he has always dreamed of taking them down. This judgement will go a long way toward getting the tap out Larry wants. Let's face it, SAP has made some blunders in strategy in the past, but this one will haunt them financially.
I could go on and on, but then I would ruin the end of this wonderful saga. Stay tuned.
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