WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2004 -- Charles Phillips, president of Oracle Corporation (Nasdaq: ORCL), was the keynote speaker at the Annual Convention of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), held last week in Washington, D.C. The NBCC is widely recognized throughout the nation's business community, and is dedicated to economically empower and sustain African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States and via interaction with the Black Diaspora.

Speaking before a member audience of more than 200 business leaders, Mr. Phillips challenged small business owners to think differently about technology as they grow their business, and to take back control of their systems. He advocated the consolidation of systems in order to prevent information fragmentation.

"Adopting a standardized, stable, and simple architecture in the key," he said. "This is difficult; however, there is a real need to take control of technology and think in terms of realizing its actual value to your business. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized businesses, which are the heart and soul of their communities."

Mr. Phillips talked about how the focal point of the technology industry must shift in order to minimize complexity and how standardization is vital to providing customers greater efficiencies and savings.

"By standardizing your systems not only will you save substantial information technology (IT) costs," he concluded, "but you will also get better information that will enable you to make better business decisions."

The NBCC Annual Convention took place July 29 through July 31. The agenda included sessions on Public Policy, Capital Access, Section 3 of the HUD Act, and Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Other speakers include Alfonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Hector Baretto, Jr., Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and Lt. Governor of Maryland Michael S. Steel. The meeting was hosted by Congressman Danny K. Davis, (D, Illinois).

About the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)

The National Black Chamber of Commerce is a leading force for African Americans in today's business environment. For more information visit http://www.nationalbcc.org.

About Oracle

Oracle is the world's largest enterprise software company. For more information visit http://www.oracle.com .

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