SQLFusion blogs

This is a big step for the Open Source business model.

MySQL was the first software company to make money with an Open Source application.
They have set the rules for building a business with Open Source software.

When we started partnering with MySQL in early 2002, I remember their US operation was an answering machine in an empty office.
Once the business model of giving away the Open Source version in GPL and charging a fee for any other licensing was set, a big sales force and marketing team was hired and MySQL took off in the business world.

This is what got the Venture Capitalists interested in Open Source. The model was working in terms of rapid growth and revenue.

It all started with the JBoss purchase and is continuing with the purchase of Troll tech by Nokia.

The Open Source startup's time is now gone and it's time for consolidation.

They are merging with the existing business model and making a place in the software and business world.

All this consolidation shows that the Open Source model is here to stay for good and has prevailed in reshaping the software industry.

Now lets hope that the MySQL purchase by Sun will not slow down its development and follow other Sun Open Source products to stagnation (Open Office, netbean...).
Probably this is also a turn for Sun where it will accelerate its open source development and community building.

Any case this is great news and it will open great opportunities for open source developers, projects and businesses.