Microsoft Issues Statement on Oracle Admission

    REDMOND, Wash., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday,
 Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:   MSFT) responded to Oracle's admission that the
 Redwood City, Calif.-based software company had funded and overseen covert
 operations against several public policy groups and trade associations. The
 company issued the following statement:
 
     "The only thing more disturbing than Oracle's behavior is their ongoing
 attempt to justify these actions.
 
     "Mr. Ellison now appears to acknowledge that he was personally aware of
 and personally authorized the broad overall strategy of a covert operation
 against a variety of trade associations.
 
     "This is dramatic evidence that Microsoft's competitors have engaged in a
 massive and ongoing campaign to unfairly tarnish Microsoft's public image and
 promote government intervention to benefit themselves.
 
     "Unfortunately, the published reports and Mr. Ellison's attempts to
 justify his company's behavior only raise many more questions about the
 nature, scope and duration of Oracle's activities.
 
     "These published reports may only be the tip of the iceberg of their
 activities.
 
     "Oracle's attacks on trade associations and public policy groups are
 disingenuous and hypocritical.  Obviously, Oracle has funded or supported
 numerous groups that have attacked Microsoft in recent years, such as ProComp,
 the Progress & Freedom Foundation, the Software & Information Industry
 Association, and the Computer & Communications Industry Association.  While we
 do not agree with the views or tactics of these groups, we respect their right
 to express their views.
 
     "Oracle apparently believes its business goals are more important than the
 free speech and privacy rights of others."
 
     About Microsoft
     Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
 and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company
 offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people
 through great software - any time, any place and on any device.
     NOTE:  Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the
 United States and/or other countries.  The names of actual companies and
 products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
 
 

SOURCE  Microsoft Corp.