For Phillips to say they are halfway to Fusion is over the top.

It should, in theory, cut down on a tremendous amount of integration costs, which is the largest single IT expenditure.

It's going to be hard. It's a complicated task. I think Siebel just made it significantly more complex at a relatively late date,

It's a complicated task, ... I think Siebel just made it significantly more complex at a relatively late date.

Ask Microsoft ( Profile , Products , Articles ) how hard it is,

They have some of this composite application work done and it looks good. But there is a tremendous amount of work yet to be done.

The name of the game is going to be improving horizontal capability, which in turn gives either company the space to dive more specifically into verticals, ... This is evidence of the continuing refinement of the product line.

As SSA picks up more and more distressed companies, it will quickly become SSA versus Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP,

But (the acquisitions) represent a strong maintenance revenue stream.