Based on this information, a conference attendee might safely assume that they'd get a chance to see Hurd speak in person. Alas, that didn't happen, although Hurd did speak at the event via video link. But for many audience members, Hurd's virtual appearance at OpenWorld apparently wasn't satisfying.

During the Wednesday afternoon keynote session, in which CEO Larry Ellison unveiled two hardware systems jointly developed by Oracle and HP, audience members were seen fidgeting and craning their necks as they waited anxiously for Hurd to join Ellison on stage.

Eventually, as Ellison reached a segue in his monologue and introduced Hurd, a palpable air of excitement rippled through the crowd, but that was quickly replaced with sighs and groans as Hurd's image flashed up on a screen above the stage.

"We're bringing to market what our two great companies do best, and we're doing it together as a team," said the small, digitally projected image of Hurd's head. "Larry, it's exciting for me to be here with you today."

Hundreds of conference-goers immediately began heading for the exits, and audible groans and sighs were heard from all corners of the auditorium. Oracle, on its OpenWorld Website, didn't mention that Hurd's appearance was scheduled to be a virtual one.

Representatives from both Oracle and HP couldn't be reached for comment Thursday.

In an industry that's increasingly pushing the benefits of online collaboration, the audience's reaction to 'Virtual Hurd' could be seen as a telling sign, proving once again that technology, for all its promise, can sometimes leave folks feeling empty and disappointed.