Microsoft and Oracle TikTok

How is Oracle trying to return to the center of the tech world?
In essence the TikTok-Oracle deal, as the Wall Street Journal (2020) points out, has been touted as a clear path for Oracle to the apex of the Tech pyramid. This is more so the case when it comes to advancing efforts by the company to cement its place in cloud-computing. According to Wall Street Journal (2020), Larry Ellison had at some point in the past branded cloud-computing as nothing more than just a trend or fad. He has been proven wrong over time. Towards this end, Oracle has had to demonstrate that “it is taking the cloud seriously” and to a large extent, the present deal “might give them new blood” (Wall Street Journal, 2020).
What does Oracle have that Microsoft does not?
Clearly, Oracle has the enthusiasm of Larry Ellison. Indeed, as the Wall Street Journal (2020) points out, “Mr. Ellison already has deployed the hardball tactics for which he’s long been known.” This kind of enthusiasm has most likely served as the driving force behind the company’s resolve to bag the deal. Mr. Ellison’s disposition also speaks volumes about his leadership and ability to maneuver tricky corporate deal making scenarios such as the present deals. It should also be noted that Oracle also has skilled and talented personnel in this realm. This is more so the case given that the company has in recent times poached numerous workers from the cloud arm of Amazon (i.e. Amazon Web Services) (Wall Street Journal, 2020).
How was Oracle able to surpass Microsoft in the pursuit of TikTok?
Despite having been an early contender, Microsoft was outmaneuvered by Oracle in the TikTok deal. To begin with, as the Wall Street Journal (2020), points out, people familiar with the deal observe that Larry Ellison actively lobbied President Trump – especially when it came to the preliminary agreement’s signing off. Elliot (2020) points out that Elision has deep ties to the Trump Administration. It has also been pointed out that Oracle’s engagement with zoom could have worked in its favor. Lastly, the move by China to slap export restrictions on one of TikTok’s key apps also dampened Microsoft’s interest.
References
Elliott, T. (2020, Aug. 18). Oracle Vs. Microsoft: Which Company Should Buy TikTok & Why. Screen Rant. https://screenrant.com/tiktok-oracle-microsoft-best-buyer-ban/
Wall Street Journal (2020, Oct. 4). Larry Ellison’s TikTok bid puts Oracle Chairman back in the spotlight. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/news/world/larry-ellison-s-tiktok-bid-puts-oracle-chairman-back-in-the-spotlight-11601795781796.html