What was loosely termed a "wake" to recognize that BEA no longer exists as an independent company featured a humorous, makeshift casket in the corner of the room.

But InfoWorld Editor at Large Paul Krill writes that the event nonetheless seemed to be a cheery gathering.

One BEA employee conceded that the merger makes sense, saying "it's actually a very good, powerful synergy between the companies."

Another employee observed "Oracle offered a fair price, and the board has a fiduciary responsibility to accept it."

Still, the absorption of BEA into Oracle does represent a loss. "What's a shame is that [BEA] was a great place to work, and many of us who are here tonight were commenting that [working at BEA was] the highlight of our careers," said an employee who could be let go as soon as next week.

Oracle has absorbed so many companies that "it's not clear that they're integrating the companies as efficiently as they could," that employee added.

Posted by Caroline Craig on May 2, 2008 06:14 AM