The UK Oracle User Group (UKOUG) has backed the proposed Oracle takeover bid of Sun in a letter to the European Commissioner.
Oracle’s $7.4bn bid for Sun has met a stumbling block in the EU, as European antitrust regulators raised concerns that database competition could be damaged, specifically that Sun’s MySQL competed directly with Oracle databases.
But in a letter on 16 November to Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for Competition, UKOUG chairman Ronan Miles dismissed concerns about MySQL.
“Whilst MySQL does have a strong following it should not be regarded as a serious competitor to the normal use of Oracle database technology. Additionally, Oracle’s record of preserving customer investments (to maintain their customer base) and support of Open Standards would indicate as safe a future for MySQL as any other ‘owner’,” wrote Miles.
Other reasons given for its support include the fact the deal will allay fears of members with Sun kit about the effect of Sun’s uncertain financial position. Creating a secure future for Java was also key.
“Uncertainty over the future of Java risks our member’s investments in both Oracle technologies (which rely significantly on Java in current versions) and in developed applications. Oracle in terms of strategy and commitment to Open Source will provide a secure future for Java,” said Miles.
Finally, Miles pointed out Oracle’s proven track record of maintaining applications that have been absorbed into the company through previous acquisitions, citing, Rdb, IRI Express and many others as examples.
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UKOUG’s 1,500 members represent half of the UK and Ireland customer base.
