Database rivals lock horns in defecting developers debacle

Informix Software CEO Phil White has issued an ultimatum to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison requesting the return of his software developers.

The database rivals have been locked in battle over developers which left Informix to join Oracle. Informix filed a lawsuit on 24 January, alleging potential theft of trade secrets by 11 of the developers.

But last week things came to a head when White made a surprise visit to Ellison?s home requesting the developers? return.

Ellison hit back at Informix, suggesting the developers left because they were unhappy about Informix? purchase of Illustra Information Technologies in February last year.

He said: ?It bought Illustra rather than develop its next generation database in-house. When the developers came to Oracle, we welcomed them.?

Ellison denied Oracle had ?bought? Informix staff and said he had told White the developers ?can do whatever they want? and came of their own free will.