Oracle slams PeopleSoft 'lies'

Oracle has promised to develop and improve PeopleSoft's products for the next 10 years if it is successful in its $6.3bn takeover bid.

As the battle becomes increasingly hostile, Oracle chairman and chief executive Larry Ellison accused PeopleSoft's executives of using "lies and scare tactics" to fight off his proposed acquisition.

"PeopleSoft executives are travelling around telling customers that we will 'kill' PeopleSoft's products and force them to move to Oracle's applications," he said.

"These are lies and scare tactics. We will continue to develop and improve PeopleSoft's products for at least the next 10 years - even longer, if customers require further support."

Ellison claimed that PeopleSoft customers would be free to stay on PeopleSoft applications or migrate to Oracle at their discretion.

"Don't be a victim of scare tactics. We would not offer more than $6bn in cash unless we really wanted you to be our customers," he said.

"Our investment only pays off for our shareholders if we keep you happy. And we will. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority.

But the UK Oracle User Group has expressed concern that with PeopleSoft on board it will reduce competition in the sector.

Paul Parnis, applications director for the UKOUG, said: "Reducing the number of competitors alleviates the pressure on Oracle to deliver. They may slow the introduction of product developments, or not maintain the same level of customer support."

Oracle revealed a set of public commitments to PeopleSoft customers:

• We will not shut down PeopleSoft products.
• You will not be forced to convert to Oracle E-Business Suite applications.
• We will provide high quality, truly global customer service for PeopleSoft products through our award-winning customer support organisation, which will include PeopleSoft specialists.
• We will extend the support period for PeopleSoft products beyond the timeframe PeopleSoft itself has committed to and into the next decade.
• We will take no action that reduces the functionality of your PeopleSoft implementations.
• We will increase the value of your PeopleSoft investments through ongoing enhancements and maintenance delivered by one of the largest software development organisations in the world.
• If - and only if - you elect to do so, you may move to the Oracle E-Business Suite via free module-for-module upgrades.