新编剑桥商务英语（高级）第三版2.1(2)

You should know, and I hope you would expect, that I am deeply saddened by this

outcome. We have come so far under such trying circumstances over the past eighteen months, and especially the past two and a hall' months. PeopleSoft had gained significant momentum in all areas of our company, including with customers, prospects, and in the financial community.

Over the next few weeks, we will be working with Oracle to ensure that you get answers to as many questions as possible that you have. I believe some of you will find interesting opportunities at Oracle, others will take your talents and work elsewhere the area that you live, while another group may have difficulties finding rewarding job experiences. It is to this last group that I offer my sincerest apologies for not figuring out a different conclusion to our 18-month saga.

I know it is little comfort, but I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished over the past 17一plus years, and longer in the case of JD Edwards.And I am even prouder of you for your perseverance and teamwork over the past eighteen months.

I make a final request.And that is to continue our work with our heads held high.

Whether it's serving customers, building products or working on internal operations, 1'eopleSoft and the people at peopleSoft have built their reputation as a company with class. Sincerely, Dave

The peoplesoft takeover 1 2.1 Listen to two accounts of the takeover by a commentator and an industry analyst, both close to the takeover. What are the main differences in the working environment and the way employees were rewarded at the two companies?

2 2.1 Listen again and answer the questions. Por each question (1-6), mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer.

1 What is said about how consultants are deployed in big IT consulting companies? A They are given jobs with a lot of responsibility. B They are often expected to learn on the job.

C They only work on projects where they have proven experience. 2 What does the commentator say about salaries at PeopleSoft? A At least the company was open about its pay policy. B They were at the market rate for the job. C They were unacceptably low.

3 How did employees feel about their CEO, Dave Duffield? A That he respected them and looked after them. B That he was ready to leave the company.

C That he developed good software applications.

4 What does the commentator imply happened after the merger? A The company's reputation suffered B People grew to respect the new CEO C A lot of people lost their jobs.