Did Oracle Buy MySQL from Sun Microsystems? Why Not MariaDB?

The acquisition of MySQL by Oracle from Sun Microsystems in 2010 remains one of the most contentious decisions in the open source community. This article delves into the nuances of this acquisition and explores the reasons behind why Oracle did not also acquire MariaDB.

Background: The Acquisition of MySQL

Oracle's acquisition of MySQL from Sun Microsystems in 2010 was a monumental event in the history of open source software (FOSS). Sun Microsystems, a leading tech company, acquired MySQL in 2008. This acquisition was initially seen as a way to strengthen its position in the database market. However, this move did not sit well with the wider community.

Oracle, known for its proprietary software, quickly reshaped MySQL into a commercial product. This shift caused considerable friction within the open source community, leading many to question the future of MySQL as a true open source solution.

Why Oracle Decided to Acquire MySQL

Oracle's decision to acquire MySQL was driven by several factors. Primarily, it was a strategic move to strengthen its database portfolio. Oracle was already a leader in relational databases with its own suite of products, including Oracle Database. By acquiring MySQL, Oracle aimed to offer a more diverse range of database solutions to its customers.

The acquisition reportedly cost Oracle $1 billion, a significant investment that was not without its justifications. MySQL was (and still is) a popular relational database management system (RDBMS) used by numerous businesses and developers. Its acquisition provided Oracle with a customer base and technical expertise that could be leveraged for future growth in the database market.

The Emergence of MariaDB

However, not all was well within the MySQL community. The original creator of MySQL, Monty Widenius, recognized the imminent threat to the open source nature of MySQL. Orocle's actions towards MySQL were viewed by many as a betrayal of the open source principles that MySQL was founded on. This led to a significant split in the community.

In 2009, Monty Widenius spearheaded the creation of MariaDB, a fork of MySQL designed to remain true to the values of FOSS. The name "MariaDB" was chosen to honor his deceased daughter. The project aimed to provide an alternative to Oracle's MySQL, enabling developers and businesses to continue using a FOSS database solution.

Why Oracle Did Not Acquire MariaDB

Given the circumstances, one might wonder why Oracle did not simply acquire MariaDB instead of MySQL, especially considering MariaDB was explicitly designed to maintain the open source spirit. There are several reasons for this:

Forked Nature: MariaDB was a fork, a breakaway project created to comply with open source principles. By acquiring MariaDB, Oracle would face similar challenges and questions about its commitment to FOSS, making the acquisition less appealing. Community Support: The MySQL community had already been significantly divided by Oracle's actions. Acquiring MariaDB would not fully assuage these concerns. Moreover, MariaDB had its own loyal community and financial backing, making it a more attractive option for funding and development. Negotiations: As a fork, MariaDB was in a different contractual and legal position compared to the original MySQL. These differences would have made the acquisition process more complex and potentially more expensive for Oracle.

Conclusion

The acquisition of MySQL by Oracle was a pivotal moment in the FOSS world. While MariaDB was created as a response to Oracle's actions, the decision not to acquire it was driven by practical considerations. Oracle aimed to maintain its proprietary stance, and a full commitment to open source principles would have been difficult to reconcile with its corporate strategy.

The debate around this acquisition continues, and the open source community remains divided. Oracle's decision to acquire MySQL did not guarantee its success or longevity in the market, and the emergence of MariaDB underscores the ongoing importance of FOSS in the tech industry.