The debate is over and to prove the point, even Microsoft is moving to network servers

Sergio Giacoletto

Oracle is one of the few technology companies to have posted strong fourth quarter results, a success it attributes to its sales of server, as opposed to PC software.

He claims that success is in part a philosophical victory, proving that the technological future lies in selling this kind of software.

'Bullish'

"The debate is over and to prove the point, even Microsoft is moving to network servers," he said.

He points out that Compaq and IBM both saw their PC sales fall, while their server business thrived.

"The companies suffering are those selling PCs and PC-based software," he said.

US recession?

So far, the evidence is that capital spending remains strong, he said.

"We are looking very carefully at what is going on in capital investment..We are pretty confident," he added.

"From a company point of view, we continue to be confident. I would even say bullish," he added, indicating that the strong results seen in the first half would continue into the third quarter.

Mr Giacoletto says the prospects for Europe remain strong, particularly in the areas of mobilecommerce and wireless applications and the business to business marketplace.

Future growth lies in eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific and Latin America, he added.