Big database vendors feel

the heat"> That strategy is putting pressure on the likes of Microsoft Corp. and Oracle Corp.—vendors whose databases are far more pricey than MySQLs open-source alternative. "We saw Oracle reduce the price of its Standard Edition One," noted Forresters Yuhanna. "That shows the pressure theyre under. Theyre obviously trying to compete with open source. … I feel Microsoft and IBM will have to follow suit in terms of lowering prices to compete with these environments over the next few years. After all, if open-source databases offer the same set of features as DBMSs, what are you going to choose? MySQL has an edge. Its low-cost, and its easier to use than other databases." IDCs Olofson voiced the same thought. "The buzz is that people are increasingly taking MySQL seriously for certain classes of applications," he said. Now [the clustering] is another thing they have that puts them in a position where they can be discussed at the same time other products are." Click here for Oracles take on MySQLs clustering move in an interview with Ken Jacobs, vice president of product strategy. Likewise, database vendors are beginning to pay attention, Olofson said. "The way Oracle looks at the future, theyd like to develop their businesses among smaller companies and grow their business, which is natural. … Companies like Oracle and IBM are concerned about the future. They see the [small and midsize business] space as an area that represents their opportunity to do business in the future. When MySQL comes into that area and starts disrupting things, they have to pay attention. Theyre asking questions. Both companies have been taking steps to make sure entry-level prices are more competitive with Microsoft. There are people in both companies and other database companies whose job it is to" keep an eye out on developing threats such as those that MySQL presents, Olofson said. "Large software companies are like big aircraft carriers," he said. "You cant change on a dime. You have to start thinking about that now." Check out eWEEK.coms Database Center at http://database.eweek.com for the latest database news, views and analysis. Be sure to add our eWEEK.com database news feed to your RSS newsreader or My Yahoo page: