MySQL to Oracle: "They should be concerned about us"

MySQL, the open-source software company, has undertaken the formidable task of going head-to-head with database giants Oracle, IBM and Microsoft.

It's a daunting task by any measure but MySQL chief executive Marten Mickos appears anything but intimidated. "They should be concerned about us," he told silicon.com in a recent interview.

MySQL makes the popular database of the same name. Its ascent - five million active installations and counting - has helped the company double revenues each year since 2002.

Regarding rival Oracle, Mickos explained the competition is not as direct as some may think: "We're taking business from Oracle they never should have had."

While Oracle boasts database features not available in its open-source counterpart, MySQL focuses on the core functions most often used. It claims to be particularly well-suited for websites and is used by big names such as Google and Yahoo!.

Mickos likened MySQL to furniture maker Ikea. Both have solid, affordable, no-frills products that they've found a way to efficiently distribute. The Oracles and IBMs, then, are the antique furniture makers.

"Ikea doesn't worry about antique furniture makers," he said.

Mickos attributed MySQL's popularity in part to the fact open-source development inherently creates better products than the proprietary model because "developers take more pride in their work" when it's available for public scrutiny.

When it comes to security, open source is also a benefit because "it allows you to get help from the good guys... and I believe there are more good guys than bad guys out there".

You can read more about MySQL and Marten Mickos in silicon.com's profile piece, based on a recent interview.