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Oracle's Promise

Oracle OpenWorld '97

Oracle Corp. (Nasdaq: ORCL) today announced that the company's new charitable giving charter, "Oracle's Promise," intends to provide network computers to the 100 most economically challenged schools in California.

As a prelude to the announcement, Oracle Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence J. Ellison was invited by President Bill Clinton to participate in a roundtable discussion on education today in San Carlos, California with the President and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. At this meeting, Ellison delivered on a commitment Oracle had made to the President two years earlier to the day: to equip economically-challenged schools with low-cost, easy-to-use network computers.

"I'm very pleased Oracle is working so quickly and diligently to deliver on Oracle's commitment to America's Promise," said General Colin L. Powell, chairman of America's Promise. "This past June when we stood together at Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce the creation of Oracle's Promise, I couldn't have imagined work would be underway just three months later in California. Oracle has provided an example that I hope will be followed by many other companies."

The first Oracle's Promise network computers were running at the George Washington Carver Middle School and Walnut Park Elementary School in Los Angeles, and the James Flood Science and Technology Magnet School in Menlo Park on September 22, coinciding with the opening day of Oracle OpenWorld™ the largest-ever network computing trade show held in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Jose Rodriguez, principal of the first Oracle's Promise school site at George Washington Carver Middle School in South Central Los Angeles, lauded Oracle's involvement in low income public schools. "Three months ago, having access to the Internet was only a dream that, if accomplished, would provide access to only a limited number of students and staff. Now, thanks to Oracle, we have the capability of bringing the world to Carver kids in five classrooms, with plans for additional classrooms," said Mr. Rodriguez. "It's great to see our vision realized!"

Oracle's Promise estimates an 18-month time frame to complete the network computer installation in all 100 schools, and also plans to extend the effort into the ten largest urban areas in the United States as part of the Oracle's Promise charter.

"I believe the Information Age can rescue public schools," Ellison said. "But public schools need affordable and easy-to-use computers. Costly PCs further a society of have's and have not's. Oracle's Promise is committed to closing the `digital divide' by bringing network computers to every classroom in America."

Supporting education is a non-partisan issue. "I am honored to recognize Oracle's commitment to bring network computers to the 100 most economically disadvantaged schools in California," said California Governor Pete Wilson. "Larry Ellison and Oracle have provided tremendous support to State efforts benefiting low income, at-risk youth. In particular, Oracle's support of the California Mentoring Initiative is bolstering mentor recruitment efforts by providing database software, Internet applications and network computers to more than 300 mentor service provision organizations statewide."

Oracle's Promise was first announced in June when the company committed to make a $100 million donation to be used for providing network computer access to every child in America. The donation was made in support of "America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth," a multi-year, national campaign that will propel the mission and goals of the Presidents' Summit for America's Future forward. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that America's youth have access to the five fundamental resources necessary for success including:

* An ongoing relationship with a caring adult: mentor, tutor, coach;

* Safe places and structured activities during non-school hours to learn and grow;

* A healthy start and healthy future;

* A marketable skill through effective education; and,

* An opportunity to give back through community service.

About Oracle

Oracle Corporation is the world's leading supplier of software for information management, and the world's second largest software company. With annual revenues of $6 billion, the company offers its database, tools and application products, along with related consulting, education and support services, in more than 140 countries around the world.

Source: Oracle Corp.