Sun acquires MySQL in $1 billion deal

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.

Filed under: industry, software
Other story tags: Sun, MySQL