Redmond exploits MySQL uncertainty

 

Seeks firms not wanting to migrate to Oracle databases

Microsoft is offering a migration tool for firms currently using MySQL, an open-source database whose future is currently in the balance.

If database giant Oracle is allowed to acquire Sun by the EC's anti-trust team - and not forced to spin off Sun's open-source database MySQL - MySQL users may find themselves pushed into upgrading to an Oracle database.

Microsoft's new tool will allow users who do not want to upgrade to Oracle an alternative.

The tool, called SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA), can be downloaded from Microsoft's website.

The assistant comes in two versions, depending on whether firms would like to move to SQL Server 2005 or 2008, and the Microsoft website says: "The tool can dramatically cut the effort, cost and risk of migrating from MySQL to SQL Server and SQL Azure."

Oracle announced its proposal to buy Sun last year and the deal was sanctioned by the US authorities; however, the EU decided to look into whether there was a conflict of interest in Oracle acquiring MySQL.

The decision concerning whether the EU will give the thumbs-up to Oracle's proposed acquisition of Sun is due before 27 January.

itweek.co.uk @ 2010 Incisive Media


Redmond exploits MySQL uncertainty
"Now what would be impressive is if Microsoft's Database teams had enough confidence in the customer value of their database solutions to have the tool capable of moving data out of their databases ..."
By deonast
 
 
 
Comments: 2
ITrant
Jan 13, 2010 12:15 PM
Classic. It would be interesting to see how many fall for this. Oracle doesn't have much cred with new web companies and an healthy MySQL and MySQLCluster with a path to Oracle products would be the best way to win their business as their data needs grow and everything moves to the cloud.
deonast
Jan 13, 2010 5:12 PM
Now what would be impressive is if Microsoft's Database teams had enough confidence in the customer value of their database solutions to have the tool capable of moving data out of their databases into those of others. So there is no fear of vendor lock in with your data. Google has an initiative to enable its applications to export your data to open formats http://www.dataliberation.org/. I'd love to see Microsoft exhibit this level of customer trust and commitment.
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