mysql

Sources are reporting that IBM is planning to acquire Sun, its rival in the computer server and software markets. According to the NYTimes, the price is nearly $7 billion. The merger will create a corporate entity, which owns some of the most recognizable software and hardware brands in the hosting and IT industries.

MySQL AB, property of Sun Microsystems, reversed its decision about releasing advanced MySQL 6 features under a closed source license. Last month it was announced that the upcoming version of the widely used database server would not contain certain closed source encryption and compression backup extensions. Reportedly, those would be included only in a paid enterprise version. Now, according to a blog post at mysql.com, the decision has been reversed and MySQL will remain fully open source.

Earlier this week Sun, the new owner of the MySQL brand, announced that upcoming "high-end add-ons" will be included only in the paid MySQL Enterprise. So far, the open source database has established itself as the best option for small and medium-sized web hosting companies, and by extension -- for millions of clients. Will they need to reconsider their choice of database server?