Talking to MySQL Founders Monty and David on Sun
An important question for MySQLers and MySQL users alike is: “What do the MySQL Founders think of the acquisition of MySQL by Sun?”
Yesterday, I had an opportunity to explore that question further, in my first personal encounter with Sun. Already before that encounter, I had asked Monty a couple of questions.
Kaj: Monty, in the 1990s, you developed MySQL on Solaris. Why was that?
Monty: In the early years when I worked with Sun products, I was always
impressed with the stability and reliability of both hardware and
operating system. That was the reason why we used Sun Microsystems technology to develop MySQL.
Kaj: You did that development ages ago. What do you think about the Sun Microsystems of 2008?
Monty: In recent times, I have been very happy with Sun’s contributions to the Open Source world, for example Open Solaris, Java and Open Office. Also, I am impressed by their understanding of Open Source, as witnessed by the Open Office contributor license.
Kaj: I know you haven’t had too much personal interaction with Sun so far, relating to the acquisition agreement. What do you expect to happen between the two companies?
Monty: I know that MySQL AB has a lot to learn from Sun when it comes to Open Source, and hope Sun desires and will be able to learn from us. Through this agreement, we can contribute our knowledge to each other, so that we together can create something even bigger.
Based on the interaction between Monty, David and the senior Sun representatives we met, I think it’s safe to say that there was a lot of excitement both sides. Founder expectations are high regarding what Sun can mean for MySQL. And I’m happy to note that the feeling is mutual — it was my firm impression that the Sun guys we met have high expectations regarding what the MySQL founders can continue to contribute to the future of Sun.
Finally: Today during the presentations by Mårten Mickos, Jonathan Schwartz and Rich Green, one particular person has been very active, and very supportive of the agreement. That’s Monty.
We’re living in exciting times!
January 17th, 2008 at 8:50
I guess, the whole world of OpenSource shares this excitement
January 17th, 2008 at 10:31
Congrats and hope SUN will continue to maintain Mysql free and opensource.
January 18th, 2008 at 2:54
go team!
January 18th, 2008 at 21:32
wow man that’s really interesting ..
the BIG question is MySql will be free and Better or better and !free
if(mysql == free){ yeaBaby(); }else{
searchForOtherDataBase();
}
January 20th, 2008 at 4:25
It is really good news for the great contributions provided by the MySql developers. If it continuous FREE its good other wise…..
Like fleshsoft
if(mysql == free){ yeaBaby(); }else{
searchForOtherDataBase();
}
January 20th, 2008 at 17:50
Great news!
while(musql == free && sun == free)
{
greatWorldOfOpenSource();
}
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:44
while (in_sun($mysql))
{
if ($mysql != free)
{
another_mysql_ab = new OpenSourceSupport();
anotherr_mysql_ab->support($mysql);
}
else {
echo greatWorldOfOpenSource();
}
}