BUSINESS NEWS.(A)

Oracle still can't see sales future

The firm said its outlook remained cloudy, but sales should get a boost fromthe release of its new database software and shipments of its e-business applications. Oracle will begin shipping its 9i database, which competes with products from Microsoft and IBM, in late May. Oracle didn't comment on an analyst's note that said it might issue a fourth-quarter warning.

AOL targets European broadband

The media powerhouse began talks with NTL, the largest U.K. cable operator, on a deal that would likely give AOL Time Warner broadband access in exchange for content. AOL has said it's working to expand its reach in Europe. NTL's broadband network can reach about 20 million homes in major European cities. NTL said the talks were preliminary and may not end with a deal.

Dell is tops in U.S. Intel servers

Shortly after passing Compaq as the No. 1 global PC seller, Dell has taken the lead in U.S. sales of Intel-based servers. Dell sold 38% of the 247,500 Intel servers in the first quarter, while Compaq sold 32%, Dataquest estimated.Industry sales fell 1.7% from a year ago. But Dell's shipments surged 32% as it slashed prices. Compaq shipments declined 17%. Compaq still holds the lead in worldwide Intel server sales. Intel servers tend to be lower-end products compared to Unix servers made by Sun Micro and others.

News Corp. revises Hughes offer