Oracle Rethinks Its Dumpster-Diving Ways

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My, how things have changed in the four years that have elapsed since the commencement of what quickly became known as Trashgate. In the statement Oracle issued on its recent embrace of ACT, Oracle Vice President Ken Glueck said, "ACT has been a tireless champion for a consistent, principled approach to information technology policy. Despite our past disagreements, we are proud to be ACT members and look forward to working with them on security, intellectual property and competition issues."

ACT must feel pretty darn redeemed, what with going from being a "Microsoft front group" to being a "tireless champion for a consistent, principled approach" to IT, God, apple pie and the American Way.

I really dont have a clue as to whether ACT is, or has ever been, a slimy front for Microsoft, for Osama bin Ladens North American DBA terrorist nerd cell, for the Penguin, for the Joker or for the Riddler. But I do know that it would be much simpler and more elegant to just assume that they do what they say they do. Which, in a nutshell, is this (taken from their mission statement):

"ACT and its members believe that the best way to achieve a healthy Tech Environment and a thriving technology industry is to apply free-market principles that promote innovation, investment and competition. ACT is committed to core free-market principles including:

1. Consumers, not governments, should pick winners and losers in the marketplace.

2. Small tech businesses thrive on innovation, not regulation and litigation.

3. The law of regulation includes the corollary of unintended consequences."

Is ACT a shill that serves the competitive interests of its members? Well, duh. Thats the definition of an interest group. Does Oracle want to become a member and have its ability to acquire PeopleSoft vigorously defended, as ACT has done on multiple instances over the past months? Why, yes, actually, that sounds like a smart idea.

Next page: Oracle has a new best friend.