[TriLUG] SAP pumps $19M into MySQL development and gives over Source Code.

[Jon Carnes]

http://news.com.com/2100-1012-1010522.html

Business application powerhouse SAP is tapping MySQL's open-source
database software in a deal that should let the smaller company
accelerate its development plans. 

The move, announced Tuesday, should permit MySQL to add higher-end
features to its database software within two years, compared with the
four years that it was previously expected to take, MySQL chief
executive Marten Mickos said. 

In addition, the deal puts some pressure on established database
companies such as Microsoft, Oracle and IBM in boosting an open-source
competitor that could eventually be good enough to encroach onto their
market.