Can an analysis of Oracle's past acquisitions tell us which companies are moving to the top of its current shopping list? <i>Enterprise Matters'</i> Josh Greenbaum points to just such an analysis, which is not only compelling reading in itself but also includes an online poll seeking the crowd's wisdom on which company is most likely to be bought next by Oracle.

Bob Evans, Contributor

August 10, 2010

2 Min Read

Can an analysis of Oracle's past acquisitions tell us which companies are moving to the top of its current shopping list? Enterprise Matters' Josh Greenbaum points to just such an analysis, which is not only compelling reading in itself but also includes an online poll seeking the crowd's wisdom on which company is most likely to be bought next by Oracle.From Josh's post:

Stephen Jannise of Software Advice has created a graphical chart of the Oracle M&A binge of the last few years, starting of course with the PeopleSoft acquisition of 2003-2005 (yes, it took over 18 months to close the deal). The chart alone is worth a good hard look, and its thoroughness is testimony to Stephen's methodological look at the burgeoning Oracle portfolio. But Stephen's real purpose is to speculate on what Oracle will buy next, and he even invites readers to add their votes to an on-line poll he's conducting.

Jannise's overview is intelligently written and engaging, and his graphical chart of Oracle's 40 acquisitions over the past five years offers a striking image of the sweep of Oracle's M&A strategy. (One small quibble: I couldn't find last year's Golden Gate deal on the chart, but perhaps that's just due to my declining powers of vision.)

Jannise lists 14 companies that he thinks could qualify for the #1 spot on Ellison's shopping list, and breaks them out into four categories: Straightforward, Messy, Bold, and Pricey. And then the online poll lets you cast your vote for your favorite.

It's a terrific read-plus, never turn down a chance to vote!

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About the Author(s)

Bob Evans

Contributor

Bob Evans is senior VP, communications, for Oracle Corp. He is a former InformationWeek editor.

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