BT has chosen PeopleSoft to help it manage its 100,000 staff. BT expects to lower HR costs using PeopleSoft's Enterprise Human Capital Management software.

The PeopleSoft software will enable BT's line managers to see an up-to-date history and skills set for every employee. BT is also using Workforce Performance Management which assesses staff against specific goals and objectives.

The deal shows that Peoplesoft can gain major customers, despite the Larry Ellison-shaped cloud hanging over its head. Oracle wants to buy PeopleSoft which has rejected two previous offers. The database giant is currently in court in San Francisco trying to convince the Department of Justice that a merger would not be anti-competive. The EC is also conducting an investigation on competition grounds.

In slightly related news PeopleSoft is opening offices in Eastern Europe and Russia. It will open in Moscow, Russia, Warsaw, Poland and Prague in the Czech Republic. It is also releasing local language versions of its software in those countries. It is looking to recruit 20 new resellers in these areas over the next six months. ®

Related stories

Larry Ellison's shopping list
US gov and Oracle in court
EC Oracle probe faces further delay