As a database geek, I’ve been watching the Oracle/Sun deal with interest, as nothing concrete has been stated about MySQL’s future in this converged marketplace.
I’ve discussed this merger and what it means to MySQL with various other developers and technology consultants and there is no majority train of thought here – everyone seems to have a different opinion, but they all seems to be concerned about MySQL’s fate.
A recent story about Oracle Chief Larry Ellinson’s speech at JavaOne, quotes him as saying: “We encourage the OpenOffice group to quickly build their version of a spread sheet or a word app using JavaFX”. (Read more here) As far as I can see, this doesn’t bode well for MySQL.
I can see MySQL going one of three ways:
1) It gets renamed Oracle Lite, or some such nonsense, gets properly supported, but treated like ‘Big, proper’ Oracle’s slightly sappy cousin.
2a) In a fit of community spirit, Oracle either allow MySQL to flourish as an open source product, whilst retaining their control…
2b) …or is split out as a separate entity and remains open source – by far the best result for the MySQL community.
3) Remember the Borland/Ashton Tate deal? MySQL could share dBase’s fate and fall into the barren ground by the wayside. I don’t think anyone wants this, apart from Oracle’s salesforce maybe.
Do you have an opinion on this deal? Let me know – I’m interested to see what folks think.
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