Ellison has advocated a technical world with a multiplicity of simplified devices speaking to large servers churning databases. The first Raw Iron devices shipped in April , more than a year behind schedule. By contrast, Microsoft sees the world dominated by intelligent devices such as PCs that connect to servers. Give the users what they want. Although Microsoft has made its fortune on the PC, the company is also branching into handhelds and devices such as Web tablets.
Business plans aside, the debate carries a personal tone.
There's no doubt about that. That may be it. Ballmer also acknowledged that PC growth has slowed but stated that sales will continue. The market is growing less quickly than it did in the past. I think there is plenty of upside.