Prominent open source software developers have joined
forces with those opposed to Oracle assuming control of MySQL
ifOracle's proposed $7.4bn acquisition of Sun
Microsystemsgoes ahead.
The deal,
approved by US competition authorities, is being delayed
because of concerns by their European counterparts that customers
could face reduced choice or higher prices as a result of the
merger.
They contend that Sun's MySQL open-source database software is a
potential long-term competitor to Oracle's core database
business.
The deal has been cleared by US authorities, but
the European Commission is conducting an investigation around
the MySQL concerns that has until January to make a decision over
the tie-up.
MySQL creator Monty Widenius and Free Software Foundation
founder Richard Stallman have called on European competition
commissioner Neelie Kroes to stop MySQL falling into Oracle's
hands.
Wildenius believes MySQL should be separated from the deal so
there will be no conflict of interest over MySQL's further
development, according to the
Financial Times.
Opponents of Oracle's acquisition of MySQL hope that, even
though Widenius's concerns were dismissed by US authorities, they
will be taken more seriously in Europe.
There are still no signs of whether the EC will seek to impose
conditions on the proposed merger or insist on a separation of
MySQL before approving the deal.
This week
Sun announced a further 3,000 job losses, blaming delays in
getting the green light from the EC for its merger with Oracle.
The delays caused by the EC probe have also
raised concerns for Sun's customers, who are unable to plan
ahead because roadmaps will not be released until the deal is
completed.