HP expands open-source support

Hewlett-Packard is set to announce plans Tuesday to expand its support for open-source software.

The computing giant will certify and support MySQL, the leading open-source database program, and JBoss, a popular Java-based application server, on HP's industry-standard servers.

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Under the agreement, both MySQL and JBoss will join HP's partner program and work jointly with HP on testing and engineering support. The companies also will co-operate on customer support.

While overshadowed by IBM in the Linux market, HP has shown significant interest in open-source software since its merger with Compaq Computer. HP recently began working with Novell to put Linux on its desktop PCs. It also has promoted Linux for its Intel-based servers and was one of the first to indemnify Linux customers against legal actions by the SCO Group.

With MySQL and JBoss, HP expands its open-source support to cover two of the fastest-growing areas for server-based software.

Swedish start-up MySQL has grown rapidly in the past few years to become a credible challenger to Microsoft's SQL software for low-end database users. The company doubled its revenue to $12 million last year and expects to continue growing rapidly.

"HP is taking a leadership role in demonstrating the strength of open-source software to cost-effectively support enterprise computing, building on Linux as a cohesive stack," MySQL CEO Marten Mickos said in a statement. "MySQL is pleased to be...extending customers' choice and flexibility for taking advantage of MySQL's performance and reliability on a variety of HP platforms."

JBoss, meanwhile, has become one of the leading choices for running Java-based Web applications, despite a long-running dispute with Java originator Sun Microsystems and a novel business approach to open-source software.

The two companies formed a partnership earlier this year to jointly market JBoss and MySQL to large corporate customers.