On 26 August 2012 15:07, Stewart Smith <stewart@flamingspork.com> wrote:
"Trent W. Buck" <trentbuck@gmail.com> writes:
Julian wrote:
I thought it was rather odd that they (Oracle) bought mysql to begin with...
IIRC Sun bought MySQL, then Oracle bought Sun.
Yes, this is correct. MySQL probably considered an added bonus in that acquisition.
-- Stewart Smith
My understanding was that taking control of MySQL was a key part of the deal for Oracle to buy Sun. (from listening to http://twit.tv/show/floss-weekly/194) (along with Java patents). I got the impression Oracle was thinking MySQL was just too much like competition and getting their hands on it would be very helpful for selling their Oracle DB. Then many of the MySQL people forked / produced MariaDB after seeing what Oracle was doing to MySQL. It's just that most people don't know that MariaDB doesn't have the brand recognition and that people don't know that MariaDB is aiming to be as much a drop in replacement for MySQL as possible. I think they claim 99% compatible... I assume Oracle wants people to remain in ignorance as well. Andrew