Oracle tried to buy open-source MySQL

SAN FRANCISCO--Oracle tried to acquire open-source database maker MySQL, an indication of the profound changes the software giant is willing to make as it adapts to the increasingly significant collaborative programming philosophy.

MySQL Chief Executive Marten Mickos confirmed the acquisition attempt in an interview at the Open Source Business Conference here but wouldn't provide details such as when the approach was made or how much money Oracle offered.

He did, however, say why he turned down Oracle's offer: the desire to keep his company's independence. "We will be part of a larger company, but it will be called MySQL," Mickos said.

Oracle didn't immediately comment on the acquisition offer.

Though it is increasingly diversified, Oracle's primary business is selling its own proprietary database software. MySQL, in contrast, is a leader among several companies trying to commercialize rival open-source products.

The acquisition would have been a smart move for Oracle, said Redmonk analyst Stephen O'Grady.

"It all comes back to the question of cannibalizing an existing business," O'Grady said. "If you determine that to some extent it's inevitable, wouldn't you prefer that you do it, instead of your competitors?"

O'Grady said Oracle could benefit from MySQL in the way that IBM has from its acquisition of Gluecode, a company that commercializes the open-source Geronimo Java application server software and competed with IBM's own proprietary WebSphere product. IBM now offers Gluecode's software as a free product called WebSphere community edition.

"They could position it as a lower-end alternative, much as IBM has done with WebSphere CE, recognizing that their larger accounts aren't likely to switch from the enterprise-class database anyhow," O'Grady said. At the same time, buying MySQL could "open up a very sizable new market for themselves."

The database market is in the midst of major changes. IBM now offers a lower-end version of its DB2 product for free, following similar moves by Microsoft and Oracle. At the same time, companies such as Ingres and EnterpriseDB are trying to build high-end open-source database packages.

MySQL, based in Sweden and Cupertino, Calif., announced in January that it's been profitable for two quarters. But it's not turning down outside money. MySQL announced Monday it raised $18.5 million in a third round of funding from Institutional Venture Partners, Intel Capital, Red Hat, SAP Ventures and Sumitomo's Presidio STX investment subsidiary.

Oracle's financial moves, however, are orders of magnitude grander. Its major buying spree resulted in the acquisitions of Siebel Systems for $5.8 billion and PeopleSoft for $10.3 billion.

Oracle already has bought two small open-source database companies--Sleepycat on Tuesday and InnoDB in 2005. But its open-source ambitions clearly are larger; for example, BusinessWeek reported that Oracle is expected to acquire open-source application server maker JBoss.

Mickos and other executives eagerly note that the MySQL database is gradually maturing with higher-end features, but they deny they've got Oracle in their crosshairs. Oracle is often used in back-end databases that power complex, massive software such as enterprise resource planning packages (ERP) from SAP or PeopleSoft.

"We are not used in all the ERP stuff. We are adding those features, but we are not going to be running PeopleSoft applications any time," Mickos said. Instead, MySQL is aiming for next-generation applications at companies such as Workday, a software-as-a-service start-up being launched by PeopleSoft co0founder Dave Duffield.

In reality, the MySQL and Oracle do compete. "They're obviously entrenched in different areas of the market--Oracle at the high end, MySQL in the higher-volume, lower-end space," O'Grady said. "But is there overlap in the middle? Sure."

[SqlserverCode]

next up .....

Oracle is going to buy everyone, Larry is out of control<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.otherthingsnow.blogspot.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.otherthingsnow.blogspot.com/</a>

[zynis]

And then they will start to raise their prices like they did this past summer, who would have guessed! The costs are about 20% higher now for the same licenses.<br /><br />Oracle License Advisory<br />http://oracle.ioresource.scom

[SqlserverCode]

next up .....

Oracle is going to buy everyone, Larry is out of control<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.otherthingsnow.blogspot.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.otherthingsnow.blogspot.com/</a>

Not for sale

My SQL is not for sale. Glad they didn't sell out

Not for sale

My SQL is not for sale. Glad they didn't sell out

[TarrySingh]

Everything has a price

And it's amatter of time before you give in. No harm in playing hard to get though.<br /><br />anyways question is why Oracle should continue to chase MySQL. WHY? well answer is clear.<br />SAP is working too close with MySQL. Reason enough. but seriously the bid to move in aggressively into the SMB market. MySQL has got to be the buy Oracle is waiting for. With the plans to buy Jboss, it already will have a good light weight App server and with a good light db server which will/should be tipped "Oracle lite" (eventually).<br /><br />So a little late in the game (IMO they should have done this long ago!)but still not worth giving up!!<br /><br />Cheers<br />Tarry<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://tarrysingh.blogspot.com" target="_newWindow">http://tarrysingh.blogspot.com</a>

[rjlucas]

The Flood Gates Are Open

Any efforts to stymie the OpenSource community will fail. Everything may have a price, but no single entity will control the net. The flood gates are open. If OpenSource developers need a free tool, they will create one.

[TarrySingh]

Everything has a price

And it's amatter of time before you give in. No harm in playing hard to get though.<br /><br />anyways question is why Oracle should continue to chase MySQL. WHY? well answer is clear.<br />SAP is working too close with MySQL. Reason enough. but seriously the bid to move in aggressively into the SMB market. MySQL has got to be the buy Oracle is waiting for. With the plans to buy Jboss, it already will have a good light weight App server and with a good light db server which will/should be tipped "Oracle lite" (eventually).<br /><br />So a little late in the game (IMO they should have done this long ago!)but still not worth giving up!!<br /><br />Cheers<br />Tarry<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://tarrysingh.blogspot.com" target="_newWindow">http://tarrysingh.blogspot.com</a>

[rjlucas]

The Flood Gates Are Open

Any efforts to stymie the OpenSource community will fail. Everything may have a price, but no single entity will control the net. The flood gates are open. If OpenSource developers need a free tool, they will create one.

[Blito]

ORACLE would be crazy

...to buy MySQL as it just isn't their field. Sure, maybe in the 'locked in' 90s where everything had a price they could buy it, strip it, and repackage it in a redundant bloat-ware scheme leading to vaporware virus ridden nightmares, but not now as it would be too costly to fool customers the second time around.<br /><br />What's interesting I think is how MySQL has seemed to create a newer industry for the mid-database market here so they can have staying power. message boards etc.<br />In the 90s I think we had too much bloated software I think for databasing. Was difficult to do mid market stuff then. It was just expensive.

[OneWithTech]

Isn't there field?

You should leave the computer industry. NOW!

[Blito]

ORACLE would be crazy

...to buy MySQL as it just isn't their field. Sure, maybe in the 'locked in' 90s where everything had a price they could buy it, strip it, and repackage it in a redundant bloat-ware scheme leading to vaporware virus ridden nightmares, but not now as it would be too costly to fool customers the second time around.<br /><br />What's interesting I think is how MySQL has seemed to create a newer industry for the mid-database market here so they can have staying power. message boards etc.<br />In the 90s I think we had too much bloated software I think for databasing. Was difficult to do mid market stuff then. It was just expensive.

[OneWithTech]

Isn't there field?

You should leave the computer industry. NOW!

[OneWithTech]

ARE YOU FRICK'N CRAZY

If MySQL sells out to Oracle they would have single handedly <br />F'ed up the internet and data-basing as a whole.<br /><br />Oracle is a for profit company that will destroy MySQL and what <br />it's used and stands for. Lets not forget what PHP/MySQL stands <br />for:<br />OPEN SOURCE, FREE, OPEN, FREE.<br /><br />Who the F'K does Oracle think they are. Are they trying to create <br />a Monopoly in the Database world. This acquisition would <br />confirm a TRUE Monopoly.<br /><br />I would strongly disagree and let it be known if you use PHP or <br />MySQL in anyway. You know, like I use it for <br />www.TechViewsToday.US as well as a host of other bulletin <br />board services that I don't get paid for and in turn saves my <br />clients thousands and thousands of dollars years.<br /><br />Small business clients will be affected by this acquisition the <br />most. If you run a web service or your company uses the net in a <br />database way this WILL AFFECT YOU.<br /><br />Do not believe the smoke that will be blown by Oracle. There <br />only out for the money and they will KILL MySQL. If you don't <br />believe me as your Webmaster or Web Developer how this could <br />affect you web presence as a whole.<br /><br />"This acquisition CAN'T happen!"

[Sir Geek]

No, Not a monopoly..

But a damned huge DB company. There is still Postgres DB ( which has a few more features than MySQL does ). There is still DB2 from IBM. So not a monopoly but they could get scrwed from an anti-trust standpoint ( for buying up all their competiters ).

[OneWithTech]

ARE YOU FRICK'N CRAZY

If MySQL sells out to Oracle they would have single handedly <br />F'ed up the internet and data-basing as a whole.<br /><br />Oracle is a for profit company that will destroy MySQL and what <br />it's used and stands for. Lets not forget what PHP/MySQL stands <br />for:<br />OPEN SOURCE, FREE, OPEN, FREE.<br /><br />Who the F'K does Oracle think they are. Are they trying to create <br />a Monopoly in the Database world. This acquisition would <br />confirm a TRUE Monopoly.<br /><br />I would strongly disagree and let it be known if you use PHP or <br />MySQL in anyway. You know, like I use it for <br />www.TechViewsToday.US as well as a host of other bulletin <br />board services that I don't get paid for and in turn saves my <br />clients thousands and thousands of dollars years.<br /><br />Small business clients will be affected by this acquisition the <br />most. If you run a web service or your company uses the net in a <br />database way this WILL AFFECT YOU.<br /><br />Do not believe the smoke that will be blown by Oracle. There <br />only out for the money and they will KILL MySQL. If you don't <br />believe me as your Webmaster or Web Developer how this could <br />affect you web presence as a whole.<br /><br />"This acquisition CAN'T happen!"

[Sir Geek]

No, Not a monopoly..

But a damned huge DB company. There is still Postgres DB ( which has a few more features than MySQL does ). There is still DB2 from IBM. So not a monopoly but they could get scrwed from an anti-trust standpoint ( for buying up all their competiters ).

[OneWithTech]

Isn't there field!

You should really get out the computer business!

[OneWithTech]

Isn't there field!

You should really get out the computer business!

[itsmani1]

why to buy others

to buy others these people want to Monopolize the market which is not good at all.<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://maair.net" target="_newWindow">http://maair.net</a><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://mannan.zabvision.edu.pk" target="_newWindow">http://mannan.zabvision.edu.pk</a>

[itsmani1]

why to buy others

to buy others these people want to Monopolize the market which is not good at all.<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://maair.net" target="_newWindow">http://maair.net</a><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://mannan.zabvision.edu.pk" target="_newWindow">http://mannan.zabvision.edu.pk</a>

[sathishmls]

MySQL must be GPLd always, then aquiring is OK

Whether it may be ORACLE trying to acquire MySQL or trying to ACQUIRE JBoss , they can do it but the products like MySQL, JBoss, etc should remain GPLd or BSD Licensed or any equivalent license to have a better community.

[sathishmls]

MySQL must be GPLd always, then aquiring is OK

Whether it may be ORACLE trying to acquire MySQL or trying to ACQUIRE JBoss , they can do it but the products like MySQL, JBoss, etc should remain GPLd or BSD Licensed or any equivalent license to have a better community.

[free_people]

Proves how evil Silicon Valley is.

1st, Oracle vs MySQL shows the level of Hoax that surrounds us in regard to IT business.<br />I mean here you have government organizations, either US government or governments<br />under US control, paying 10Mill to 100Mill contracts to Oracle for Oracle SQL DB<br />when they can get the same SQL DB form MySQL for free or a tiny fraction of that amount.<br />Why!<br />Why is it that the companies worldwide use MySQL for their DB needs and do just fine, while<br />some Govs and Fortune 1000 give Oracle $10 to $100Mill payments for Oracle software<br />license when the same software license via MySQL is Free!<br />And of course would then this not give Oracle every incentive to buy and take out<br />of (real) competition MySQL which is providing the people (small businesses) with<br />a much lower cost of SQL DB compared to Oracle!<br />Only a blind man would not see how "evil" this take over would be.<br /><br />Here are my predictions as to some tectonic movements in the IT business:<br />MySQL will replace Oracle more and more.<br />Linux will replace Windows more and more.<br />AnooX will replace Google &#38; Yahoo more and more.<br />ORSN will replace ICANN more and more.<br />Specially in regard to companies/usage outside of USA.<br /><br />Now watch out for Silicon Valley mafia, who have access to Billions of dollars, to try to <br />take out these companies that are providing us, the people world wide with choice &#38; <br />freedom, and lower costs, in these critical areas of the IT business.<br />Can we do anything about it?<br />I am not sure, the people have proven themselves be a patsies too often.<br />But maybe this time, people will be able to see through the smoke &#38; mirrors and<br />see that it is not good for us at all to have so much of our lifes controlled by a handful<br />of companies, people, from Silicon Valley or USA in general.

[207495111267145837975635436522]

I agree about anoox, mysql, linux parts

I agree with your comments that these open source based options will more and more replace the big media/corporate alternatives of them, but I am not sure about Silicon valley being evil per say.<br />They are just very greedy, and as that famous American "gordon geko" said: "greed is good" :)<br /><br />BTW, what is ORSN? <br />Sorry if this is a naive question.

[Thomas, David]

Think again

First, there isn't a single intelligent government agency on this planet, looking for an open source database to standardize on, unless it is for the public. There has to be a focal point for the vendor, and a myriad of other reasons.<br /><br />Second, msSQL, mySql, Oracle, Postgre, and many many others do not compare to the database solutions provided by IBM. Any "serious" use of a database, that a goverment would need, would far exceed the previously mentioned databases. Those databases are more like extravagant toys. Yes, flame on if you must, but there is a reason why two IT positions emerged over the past 15 years (Database Administrator, and DB analyst). This positions are necessary BECAUSE of those products.

[free_people]

Proves how evil Silicon Valley is.

1st, Oracle vs MySQL shows the level of Hoax that surrounds us in regard to IT business.<br />I mean here you have government organizations, either US government or governments<br />under US control, paying 10Mill to 100Mill contracts to Oracle for Oracle SQL DB<br />when they can get the same SQL DB form MySQL for free or a tiny fraction of that amount.<br />Why!<br />Why is it that the companies worldwide use MySQL for their DB needs and do just fine, while<br />some Govs and Fortune 1000 give Oracle $10 to $100Mill payments for Oracle software<br />license when the same software license via MySQL is Free!<br />And of course would then this not give Oracle every incentive to buy and take out<br />of (real) competition MySQL which is providing the people (small businesses) with<br />a much lower cost of SQL DB compared to Oracle!<br />Only a blind man would not see how "evil" this take over would be.<br /><br />Here are my predictions as to some tectonic movements in the IT business:<br />MySQL will replace Oracle more and more.<br />Linux will replace Windows more and more.<br />AnooX will replace Google &#38; Yahoo more and more.<br />ORSN will replace ICANN more and more.<br />Specially in regard to companies/usage outside of USA.<br /><br />Now watch out for Silicon Valley mafia, who have access to Billions of dollars, to try to <br />take out these companies that are providing us, the people world wide with choice &#38; <br />freedom, and lower costs, in these critical areas of the IT business.<br />Can we do anything about it?<br />I am not sure, the people have proven themselves be a patsies too often.<br />But maybe this time, people will be able to see through the smoke &#38; mirrors and<br />see that it is not good for us at all to have so much of our lifes controlled by a handful<br />of companies, people, from Silicon Valley or USA in general.

[207495111267145837975635436522]

I agree about anoox, mysql, linux parts

I agree with your comments that these open source based options will more and more replace the big media/corporate alternatives of them, but I am not sure about Silicon valley being evil per say.<br />They are just very greedy, and as that famous American "gordon geko" said: "greed is good" :)<br /><br />BTW, what is ORSN? <br />Sorry if this is a naive question.

[Thomas, David]

Think again

First, there isn't a single intelligent government agency on this planet, looking for an open source database to standardize on, unless it is for the public. There has to be a focal point for the vendor, and a myriad of other reasons.<br /><br />Second, msSQL, mySql, Oracle, Postgre, and many many others do not compare to the database solutions provided by IBM. Any "serious" use of a database, that a goverment would need, would far exceed the previously mentioned databases. Those databases are more like extravagant toys. Yes, flame on if you must, but there is a reason why two IT positions emerged over the past 15 years (Database Administrator, and DB analyst). This positions are necessary BECAUSE of those products.

[wjackson333]

MySQL- Oracle NOT all seeing eye!

Greed seems to cloud Oracles vision of the future of open <br />source! The more that they position themselves in the market as <br />open source macrophages the more the IT community will <br />regard them as a microsoft facsimile. Buying out MySQL and <br />reducing it to a enterprise bait and lure freebee will only <br />increase the already growing animosity against them. <br />Compitition is a healthy economic departure from the 80s &#38; 90s <br />microsoft philosophy. If Oracle is afraid of a little compitition in <br />the middleware spectrum of the market and insits on aggressivly <br />attacking openware they are on the track of producing a less <br />profitable enterprise. Many consumers, and more recently <br />businesses, have looked for alternitives to proprietary software <br />solutions causing a small, but marginal dent in big guys profit <br />margins. When companies spend all their resources in <br />attempting to eleminating their competitors rather than <br />improving their current product they loose their competitive <br />edge. Look at microsoft! They have been struggling to release a <br />new version of Windows for how long now? Too much time in <br />the papermill causes a shortage of cotton! The bigger they are... <br />the harder they FALL!!!

[wjackson333]

MySQL- Oracle NOT all seeing eye!

Greed seems to cloud Oracles vision of the future of open <br />source! The more that they position themselves in the market as <br />open source macrophages the more the IT community will <br />regard them as a microsoft facsimile. Buying out MySQL and <br />reducing it to a enterprise bait and lure freebee will only <br />increase the already growing animosity against them. <br />Compitition is a healthy economic departure from the 80s &#38; 90s <br />microsoft philosophy. If Oracle is afraid of a little compitition in <br />the middleware spectrum of the market and insits on aggressivly <br />attacking openware they are on the track of producing a less <br />profitable enterprise. Many consumers, and more recently <br />businesses, have looked for alternitives to proprietary software <br />solutions causing a small, but marginal dent in big guys profit <br />margins. When companies spend all their resources in <br />attempting to eleminating their competitors rather than <br />improving their current product they loose their competitive <br />edge. Look at microsoft! They have been struggling to release a <br />new version of Windows for how long now? Too much time in <br />the papermill causes a shortage of cotton! The bigger they are... <br />the harder they FALL!!!