Database Shakeups

December 14, 2005: A spate of database releases from Sun, Business Objects, MySQL, Apache shakes up the market as Oracle finally certifies PeopleSoft for Fusion 10g middleware.

Choice mid and Enterprise-level databases and reporting functionality took a massive upturn today as Sun MicroSystems announced that it is to ship Apache's open source version of IBM's Java-embedded Java DB in its Solaris Enterprise System (SES).

According to Apache the 'Derby', implementation: "…adheres to database standards such as JDBC and ANSI SQL standards. This means Derby provides the functionality expected of a modern relational database, including SQL syntax, transaction management, concurrency, triggers, and online backups. And it also means developers can later migrate to other databases if they so choose." Derby was also initially developed by Cloudscape in the mid-1990s and was called JBMS. Subsequently, Informix bought Cloudscape and IBM bought Informix. Since the IBM takeover, the Cloudscape DB system has run on IBM's Java-based applications and middleware.

The inclusion of the Apache version within Solaris Enterprise System comes shortly after Sun's announcement that it would also be incorporating the Open Source Postgres database into its Solaris 10 Q1 release for 2006.

MySQL Objects
If the idea of moving over the Solaris holds limited appeal, then the news that Crystal Reports maker, Business Objects, is to combine with MySQL to produce DB bundles aimed at all three business tiers might appeal.

The three bundles that will include the business reporting elements of Crystal overlaying the MySQL engines, are priced at $US4,000 for the Small Customer Bundle, US$7,500 for the Medium and US$20,000 for the Large - the systems are aimed squarely at Oracle's growing Linux basecamp.

According the BusinessObjects: "Under the agreement, Business Objects will embed MySQL database technology into BusinessObjects XI for use on the Linux and UNIX platforms, and will add MySQL to the list of databases supported by Crystal Reports and BusinessObjects Data Integrator. In addition, both companies will also join each others' alliance and partner programs."

The Oracle Speaks
Talking of Oracle, one year after its purchase of PeopleSoft, the US database giant has finally certified the range of PeopleSoft applications to run on its Fusion 10g Release 2 middleware web and Java-based services.

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