Oracle

Critics have complained Oracle has been slow to migrate to the cloud. Management is keen to reverse that. From a technological aspect, this is a meaningless distinction. However, from a sales perspective, this presents a drastic departure from the classic licensing model Oracle has grown to depend on.

The company is in the midst of a mid-life crisis as it re-evaluates everything it does.

Pros:

• It's an exciting moment to work at Oracle; the old rule books are being thrown out.
• Bold ideas are in demand.

Cons: People hate change. Employees and customers alike are anxious to know where this will ultimately lead Oracle.

Don't mimic Amazon or Google.

Think bigger.

Think AT&T. Think Cisco.