Ellison Vows To Deliver Next Version Of PeopleSoft

"After PeopleSoft 9.0, and after we've built the next generation of Oracle E-Business suite, we will build a successor product to both PeopleSoft and Oracle that's a functionally merged product," said Ellison, speaking during the Wednesday keynote of Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco. "So our customers and PeopleSoft's customers will get a dramatically better product. And it will be an easy and graceful upgrade... and will be more modern."

Ellison said that, if Oracle succeeds in acquiring the Pleasanton, Calif., applications vendor, Oracle will invest more in development and in support than either could have independently, "and give SAP a good run for their money in this business. PeopleSoft customers will immediately recognize higher quality support and a clearer and more attractive upgrade future."

Giving essentially the same speech he delivered at Oracle AppsWorld this past January, Ellison offered new information only during a question and answer period after his prepared remarks. Even then, however, Ellison revealed that his remarks weren't totally impromtu - using the same language to describe Oracle's commitment to supporting PeopleSoft customers as President Safra Catz used Tuesday, during her presentation. Both, for example, said they plan to "over support" and "over deliver" to PeopleSoft customers.