Oracle users are catching on to the latest versions of the firm's software although many remain on pre-9i editions, according to the UK Oracle User Group (UKOUG) annual survey, published in October.

They also have some doubts about the database giant's licensing and convergence strategy for enterprise applications.
Seventeen percent of respondents said they mainly use Oracle 10g, while 49 percent said they use the current 9i Enterprise edition.

The number of users running older versions of Oracle software dropped dramatically from 44 percent in 2004 to 20 percent now.

The proportion satisfied with service levels was 63 percent - very close to the 64 percent figure for 2004, despite the predicted disruption caused by the acquisition of PeopleSoft. Most PeopleSoft and JD Edwards users - a customer base also acquired as part of the PeopleSoft deal - thought the changeover had been handled well.

"The results show that, on the whole, former PeopleSoft and JD Edwards customers were pleased - or perhaps relieved - with the way the merger has been carried out," said UKOUG chairman Ronan Miles.

However, Oracle still has work to do to convince users of the value of its Project Fusion plans to combine enterprise applications. Less than half of users said they were satisfied with the roadmap.

Licensing also remains a hot potato. A quarter of users said they are unhappy with pricing and convoluted terms. "Users are also looking for more transparency in the pricing," Miles said.

In a recent interview with IT Week, Oracle UK managing director Ian Smith commented, "Ultimately, we will be judged on the quality of our service." Despite chief executive Larry Ellison having called systems integrators "guys ... with glue guns", services continue to be an engine of growth for Oracle. Eighty-seven percent of customers said they would recommend Oracle services.