Microsoft's big heart
What do you think of Microsoft's pledge to help Apple not die by
developing more software for the Mac?
I think that's nonsense. Microsoft has always had its software
running on Macintosh, I don't think that they're helping Apple so that Apple
doesn't die. I think Microsoft views Apple as a serious threat, but they'd
rather have Apple around than Netscape. Bill Gates has been quoted in the
press as saying he's going to make Netscape meat, drive them out of
business, give the stuff away for free. Apple is no threat to Microsoft.
Microsoft is moving aggressively against Netscape. I think they are neither
helping nor hurting Apple right now. They probably hope Apple stays around
with an insignificant four or five percent market share so they can point to
Apple and say "oh no, we don't have a monopoly."
We hear about Microsoft and Netscape in the news about the Internet
everyday, where does Oracle play in that?
Oracle provides the server technology, and Oracle's providing the
Network Computer.
When the Network Computer comes out you're going to see a lot of us. We
typically have never sold consumer products. This is the first time that
we've gone into the consumer space with the Oracle name and we'll be out
there a lot more. I think the Network Computer is going to grab people in
because it's so easy to use and so inexpensive. People want easier to use
PCs. They want lower-cost PCs. A lot of people can't afford a PC. A lot of
people don't want to learn to use a PC. Everyone should have electronic
mail. Everyone should have access to the Web, not just an elite who can
afford to take the time to learn the PC and afford the purchase price.
Turning to the presidential election, who do you think will do a better
job for Silicon Valley, Clinton or Dole?
That remains to be seen. I'm going to speak at the Democratic National
Convention this weekend. The Dole campaign has come out very aggressively
for some things that I'm against, probably Proposition 211. Those are important
issues for Silicon Valley. I think right now both candidates seem pretty
pro-Silicon Valley. That's very encouraging, so it's really hard to pick.
A year ago, the Junior League would never have thought of going on the
Internet. What do you think their Web presence indicates?
I think that whether you're a store engaging in commerce or you're a
charitable organization trying to raise money and trying to get volunteers to
contribute their time, the Internet is a wonderful way to reach out and
access 30 percent of all households in the U.S. It's really astounding.
