Rumor Redo: Oracle Linux On Its Way?

The rumor is backan SAP exec Jeff Nolan blogged yesterday that Oracle could maybe perhaps announce a self-branded Linux today at LinuxWorld Expo.

The relationship between ERP giant SAP and database behemoth Oracle has become increasingly problematic since Oracle snapped up PeopleSoft and then Siebel Systems, essentially buying itself the number two spot worldwide in enterprise apps. That would be number two after---guess who?

The rumor of an Oracle-labeled Linux has cropped up before. It seems Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has a lot of fun sparking these things.

SAP execs have blasted Oracle's PR and marketing antics and have kinda, sorta blessed IBM DB2 as the database of choice for SAP apps. Still, probably over half of live SAP implementations still run on Oracle databases.

Meanwhile, in a bizarre but ultimately understandable about face, Oracle and Ellison have been making nice to IBM of late. Oracle's ownership of J.D. Edwards and its loyal base of iSeries users and partners bring a fresh perspective to old rivalries.