This week's articles seem to show that business is no longer looking for the newest, fastest, most powerful database software in the world, but the most value-added for their businesses. This is likely a turn of events from the days that companies were spending huge sums just to 'keep up with the Jones' (if their competitors were named Jones that is). This may be further evidence that this is the time where software developers need to change their business model from selling software, to giving it away and charging for maintenance.
In looking at the mysql website, you can see that the AP is not alone in using the open source relational database management software. NASA, Yahoo!, and Cox Communications rank among other users. Thus, more companies will probably find their needs met by less expensive alternatives, changing the market for such important and complex technology.
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