Sun acquires MySQL in $1 billion deal
updated 10:05 am EST, Wed January 16, 2008
Sun Acquires MySQL
Potentially creating a major ripple effect in software, Sun today said it would acquire MySQL in a deal worth roughly $1 billion. The buyout gives Sun control over the most significant open-source database in the world but will also give MySQL distribution deals with Dell, IBM, and Intel that it would never have had otherwise, according to the two merging companies. Although the maneuver is expected to help Sun's preferred Linux and OpenSolaris systems integrate the database, the acquisition is also reportedly aimed at improving development of MySQL for Mac OS X and Windows.
Sun's deal also gives it a foothold in the large database market against more established rivals such as Microsoft and Oracle, both of whom enjoy a commanding influence on business by dictating the choice of software used to store very large amounts of information. The Java developer hopes to have the deal finalized by the end of its third fiscal quarter or the start of the fourth and believes US government officials will approve the deal.
Great idea.
01/16, 11:38am reply
Great idea.
bhuot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
whoah.
01/16, 12:32pm reply
"Nobody ever makes money off open source."
Suck it, Redmond. And pre-emptively, you suck it too, Testudo.
rtbarry
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
@rtbarry
01/16, 12:50pm reply
LOL!!!
milhouse
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
Re: whoah
01/16, 02:28pm reply
Keep in mind that while the software is 'ope-source', it isn't free to use. There's still licensing fees that have to be paid.
And, rtbarry, what did I do???
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Mysql
01/16, 03:08pm reply
I love the Mysql database and yes, Testudo it is free to use, as long as you do not redistribute it in a commercial product. Around 1% of all Mysql database users are paying either a service contract or a license fee. In order for Sun to make this a good buy, they need to convert more contracts and sell more licenses.
ClevelandAdv
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2004
mysql
01/16, 05:04pm reply
Additional revenue comes from the training sessions, which apparently are pretty popular.
broohaha22
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006