Microsoft's big heart

What do you think of Microsoft's pledge to help Apple not die by developing more software for the Mac?
I think that's nonsense. Microsoft has always had its software running on Macintosh, I don't think that they're helping Apple so that Apple doesn't die. I think Microsoft views Apple as a serious threat, but they'd rather have Apple around than Netscape. Bill Gates has been quoted in the press as saying he's going to make Netscape meat, drive them out of business, give the stuff away for free. Apple is no threat to Microsoft. Microsoft is moving aggressively against Netscape. I think they are neither helping nor hurting Apple right now. They probably hope Apple stays around with an insignificant four or five percent market share so they can point to Apple and say "oh no, we don't have a monopoly."

We hear about Microsoft and Netscape in the news about the Internet everyday, where does Oracle play in that?
Oracle provides the server technology, and Oracle's providing the Network Computer. When the Network Computer comes out you're going to see a lot of us. We typically have never sold consumer products. This is the first time that we've gone into the consumer space with the Oracle name and we'll be out there a lot more. I think the Network Computer is going to grab people in because it's so easy to use and so inexpensive. People want easier to use PCs. They want lower-cost PCs. A lot of people can't afford a PC. A lot of people don't want to learn to use a PC. Everyone should have electronic mail. Everyone should have access to the Web, not just an elite who can afford to take the time to learn the PC and afford the purchase price.

Turning to the presidential election, who do you think will do a better job for Silicon Valley, Clinton or Dole?
That remains to be seen. I'm going to speak at the Democratic National Convention this weekend. The Dole campaign has come out very aggressively for some things that I'm against, probably Proposition 211. Those are important issues for Silicon Valley. I think right now both candidates seem pretty pro-Silicon Valley. That's very encouraging, so it's really hard to pick.

A year ago, the Junior League would never have thought of going on the Internet. What do you think their Web presence indicates?
I think that whether you're a store engaging in commerce or you're a charitable organization trying to raise money and trying to get volunteers to contribute their time, the Internet is a wonderful way to reach out and access 30 percent of all households in the U.S. It's really astounding.