Oracle says it's still a serious player in China

Oracle says it’s still a serious player in China

Database and business applications giant Oracle Corp made some pretty bullish predictions about its sales prospects in China this year and dismissed claims that its a spent force in the country.

Speaking to the press in a conference call, Derek Williams, Oracle’s Asia-Pacific executive vice president, says he expects its Chinese business to grow strongly following a record first quarter.

Oracle’s revenue in Asia-Pacific rose 11% in the quarter to $346m. This accounted for 16% of overall revenue for the quarter.

While Oracle did not disclose a revenue break-down for China, Williams said We’re looking forward to a strong year [in China].

Williams also rubbished claims from German software rival SAP AG that its business in China had disintegrated.

At an Asia-Tech press summit held earlier this week SAP’s Greater China head, Klaus Zimmer, suggested to reporters that Oracle was no longer a serious rival in the region due to its merger distractions with PeopleSoft Inc.

I think our business has never been stronger in China, Williams retorted.

China represents Oracle’s third largest market in Asia-Pacific, behind Japan and South Korea. The company expects China to jump to the number two spot within three years if its current growth continues.

Market research firm IDC estimates China’s software market to reach $30.5bn by 2005.

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