Company: Oracle
Date: 2008-06-22
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

Great company for work/life balance - not so good for professional growth.
Pros: There are several reasons for which Oracle could be rated as a good company, and here a few of these:

1. Freedom at work place, nobody (including the managers) would ask for any tight and unrealistic deadlines. The delivery of the work is what matters. In fact there is no attendance register and no regulations over breaks, e.g. cigarette :)

2. Flexible working hours, which gives the employees to be able to take time off when it is necessary. Also, it is good facilities and the employees do not try to be unfair to the company, and rather don't crib when they have to complete the work even when they have to work for late hours.

3. Work at home, (to most of the people) which is one of the most exciting gift an employer could give to an employee, who could choose to be at home when (s)he is not keeping well (to drive/commute), has some personal work (Dr. appointments etc.), bad weather.

4. Good working environment, people behave quite professionally here and knowledge is shared freely.

5. Excellent business processes and ethics programs.

6. Hiring process is good (not the best, though) and some very smart people work here.

7. Future appears bright with the smart acquisitions, which have resulted in good profits.
Cons: Yes, there are some:

1. Being a product company, employee (at least in the development) feel relaxed, and probably do not add much to their core knowledge (programing etc.), although they do develop their domain and product knowledge.

2. Training, very little focus in this area.

3. Information regarding yearly bonus/hikes are kept as a top-secret.

4. The chances to go up the ladder is lesser here.