Oracle -- Political Problems In Europe

Oracle (ORCL) and Sun Micro (JAVA) seem to have regulatory difficulty with the European Community. The two supposedly US based companies are causing concern in Brussels. Oracle has retorted that the issues that are concerning the Europeans are not concerning Washington DC regulators. So what’s the problem?

This smells of politics and power grabs. The Europeans want to increase their stature and become more of a factor. SAP (SAP)which is European based constantly knocks heads with Oracle. By throwing some sticks and stones at Oracle the European regulator is protecting their home team. SAP lasts quarterly report showed some operating difficulties. They need to slow the competition down somewhat.