Oracle Applications Unlimited

From ZDNet news:

“Oracle unveiled its Applications Unlimited program on Tuesday, removing a 2013 deadline for halting development of new releases of its PeopleSoft, J.D. Edwards and Siebel Systems software.
Under the program, Oracle will continue issuing new versions of PeopleSoft, J.D. Edwards and Siebel applications in the foreseeable future. It had previously said it would discontinue support for those companies' programs after 2013.

Right now, Oracle is melding their technologies into its next-generation architecture, Oracle Fusion. But the change means it will keep putting out updates beyond the anticipated debut of Oracle Fusion applications in 2008.

"This is a little added insurance for our customers and something they've been asking for," said Jesper Andersen, senior vice president of Oracle's application strategy. He added that some large PeopleSoft customers, for example, may need more time to roll out their applications across several continents.

In addition to removing the deadline, Oracle is dedicating development teams and assigning general managers to each of the three lines of applications, Andersen said. Customers of PeopleSoft, J.D. Edwards and Siebel will also provide input on the product plans for the software they use.”

IMHO: Analysts say that Oracle is feeling increasing heat from SAP, and that has precipitated this decision. But more than that, I think, it is just Oracle keeping options open and not killing off the cash cows it has. It has in fact pledged additional investment. The decision also reflects the will to reassure the existing customer base, and of course, to halt the SAP charge, or at least slow it down. Kudos to Larry Ellison for listening to his customers. When these new versions get delivered and what functional enhancements are provided is still not clear though, but with Larry at the helm you can always expect a surprising move or two from Oracle.