Oracle buys MySQL (Sun Microsystems)

[JGadrow]

Here's something that may have a LARGE impact upon the web development industry as a whole: Oracle is buying Sun Microsystems! Now, my first thought (as well as that of others), is that it makes sense for Oracle to chuck MySQL out the window as a large portion of their income is due to the Oracle database. MySQL is, obviously, a large competitor for this database and they may feel that their revenue will be substantially increased by removing the most widely distributed, free database from the market.

Personally, I don't know if this will become a reality. I'm hoping they will simply attempt to make some extra bucks by offering Enterprise-level support for MySQL. But, the potential for a massive shake-up exists.

Links:
http://www.sun.com/aboutsun/pr/2009-04/sunflash.20090420.1.xml
http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS7435543727.html

[Dasein Fiasco]

There are a lot of points to consider about the acquisition, but the demise of MySQL is not one of them, at least not for the reasons that you mentioned. The two databases target vastly different markets. In other words, if MySQL had vanished from existence last week, Oracle would be making no extra sales this week. I don't know if their strategy is to grab mindshare in the web world, or try to develop an upgrade path for LAMP developers moving into the enterprise world, but I don't think it's the expensive purchase and subsequent abandonment of MySQL. Most likely they are trying to get a foothold for some hopefully tactical future benefit, or simply promote their brand in new markets like Microsoft with SQL Server Express.

[codestryke]

I had the same concerns when I saw the news article. A comment I saw about the buy out that sort of put my mind at ease.. MySQL is akin to Microsoft Access, yes it's a lot better then Access but it is not ready for the type of high priority, high reliability that is offered by enterprise class databases like Oracle or MSSQL.

I've been nervous ever since Oracle bought out the INNODB engine but nothing catastrophic came of that so far so I'll continue to cross my fingers.

[JGadrow]

Agreed. I don't think anything will come from this, but it's something for people to be aware of.

And, MySQL can steal business from Oracle simply by being popular and free. I agree that the target markets are different, however, I've seen companies go to great lengths before to add an extra 0.1% to their client base. Once again, I don't believe they will do anything, but the possibility does exist.

[Scion]

Oracle are after Sun not for its MySQL asset....in fact id think that is more of a cherry on top than a driving factor. Much more significant is the Java trademark and Suns Hardware assets.

Oracle will not destroy or otherwise ruin MySQL, after all MySQL and Oracle DB are targeted at two completely seperate sectors. what you might see however is that they limit or Control MySQL's ambitions towards being able to support larger and larger installations.

Having said all that, Things might not be all that rosy in MySQL's future, afterall we all love to hate the big guy....first off its Microsoft....and anyone noticed the growin anti-google feeling? Is oracle next on the hate list?

[Tribal]

anti-google? Get out, go! Your not welcome on this forum!! Bah!

Lol, jks

What is the worst that can happen? They drop MySql? Even they know that wouldn't be very practical. However much bad publicity would they get for that?