The story of Charles Phillips, co-president of Larry Ellison's Oracle, may not be as sexy-inspirational as Apple design wonderboy Jonathan Ive, but it's important enough to make him a possible heir to the $87-billion software firm's throne. His requisite media profile metanarrative: According to today's Wall Street Journal profile, he brought the love back to the Oracle-client relationship. It's a welcome change, say Oracle clients. In fact, is it just me, or do they sound like lovers who have rekindled their romance?

Last fall, several Oracle representatives visited [a client] at his Aliso Viejo, Calif., office. They had noticed he was spending less on Oracle products and wanted to know why. He told them, "I don't ever see you unless you want to sell me something."

"I feel like a bootie call."

At a recent Oracle meeting, [Ingersoll-Rand CIO Barry] Libenson got a detailed look at the company's technology plans and spent two hours chatting with Mr. Ellison.

"So man...how's the house? No, the other one. Okay, the other other one."

Phillips Leads Effort at Oracle To Woo Its Users [Wall Street Journal]