IBM set to bite with Viper ?
February 1st, 2006
Viper is the code name for IBM's free version of DB2 to be known as DB2 Express-C, IBM has joined Microsoft and Oracle by announcing free entry-level versions of their respective database products.
Link to ZDNet article.
Obviously IBM needs to join the party with MS and Oracle, both of whom have made this strategic move to combat the growth and popularity of Open Source databases, most notably MySQL.
It is interesting to note how Open Source is forcing established vendors to provide free offerings. Just how far up the value chain the free software movement can climb will only be revealed in due time. However my feeling is that open source and free software will own the entry-level space within a few years time. While there have been some notable exceptions already, on the whole I predict that larger organisations will continue to purchase enterprise-level and lob applications from large and trusted vendors, in lieu of Open Source offerings. There are several factors which I believe will contribute to organisations making this decision, including
- established relationships with current vendors
- existing investment in hardware, software and training
- support service and accountability from vendors
- senior management's view of Open Source in general
- vendors sales and marketing capability
I've never been a big fan of Open Source so perhaps I'm somewhat biased.