Gartner predicts next phase of Oracle, SAP acquisitions (searchopensource)

Oracle may be taking a break from purchasing high-profile software companies like PeopleSoft Corp. and Siebel Systems Inc., but experts say it's definitely not finished yet. Meanwhile, they predict that Oracle's chief rival, SAP -- which usually looks internally for growth -- is getting ready to embark on an acquisition strategy of its own.

SearchOracle.com spoke with Gene Phifer, lead analyst for Oracle with Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner Inc., to find out where his firm believes these two software goliaths will go looking for their next score. Phifer also summed up the overarching goals of Oracle's acquisition strategy so far and offered an update on the progress of Fusion, Oracle's drive to integrate the spoils of its buying spree onto its Fusion middleware platform.