Oracle, the world’s second largest software manufacturer, has
admitted hiring detective firm Investigative Group International in
a bid to uncover information from organisations vocally supporting
rival company Microsoft during its antitrust case. Oracle believes
that the measures it took were necessary.
Oracle made its opinion clear when it commented that, “left
undisclosed, these Microsoft front groups could have improperly
influenced the outcome of one of the most important antitrust cases
in US history”. The company’s chief executive Larry Ellison has
alleged that its actions were justifiable because it uncovered
organisations set up specifically by Microsoft to help win its
antitrust case. Oracle claims that these groups include the
Independent Institute which recently circulated a newspaper
advertisement signed by 240 economists and academics opposing the
break up of Microsoft.
However, Oracle’s actions have been strongly criticised as
“despicable” by the president of the Association for Competitive
Technology who is considering taking legal action. The president of
the Independent Institute David Theroux commented that “Oracle has
apparently felt the need to employ back-alley tactics, subterfuge
and disinformation in order to achieve its aims”.
Microsoft has also taken a stance against its competitor,
stating “Oracle apparently believes its business goals are more
important than the free speech and privacy rights of others”. The
company added, “The only thing more disturbing than Oracle’s
behaviour is their ongoing attempt to justify these actions.”
