Oracle buys Sun
Wow, didn't see this one coming, did you? Well, that speaks plenty about all the rumors that spread around during the last 2-3 weeks about IBM being the only company interested in buying Sun.
In fact, this move makes perfect sense if you consider Sun's greatest software assets, Solaris, Java, MySQL, and how they fit perfectly in Oracle's portfolio. Together with the most impressive processor technology and system design, the IT industry is about to experience a broad range of new solutions that will shape the landscape of tomorrow's datacenters: Open Storage, Open Networks, Open Systems, Best in Breed Software, and of utmost importance, a seamless integration between all the parts, from the hardware upwards, right to the application layer. This could provide for instant satisfaction for those customers who can't really be bothered with building infrastructures - now they will be able to deploy service-ready Business Systems. No more headaches trying to fit technology parts into a solution that works.
Personally, I feel optimistic about the prospect of continuing to invest on technology leadership. Also, because in a past life I was deeply involved in database technologies while working for Informix in the nineties, I find myself considering this is a small world after all, and as we've seen in the past few years, all relevant technology companies end up joining forces while adapting to continuous market changes and the evolution of IT is bringing together those that seemed to be in opposite sides. In fact, traditional systems are now bridging into the storage and networking arena, and data is everywhere, so a competitive player has to be ready to master all domains to provide full service to customers. I'm glad to see that Oracle felt motivated to take us onboard in this path to success.
On the other hand, I'd hate to see the Sun brand go away. It's been 18 years since I started working with Sun Solaris (SunOS 4.1.1) and Sun servers (SPARC Server 370MP, SPARC Station IPX), and it just got embedded in my DNA. Hopefully the brand and the culture we have at Sun will remain alive after the merge, and I hope we can combine the best of both companies to improve both employee motivation and customer satisfaction.
Sun had no hope of survival by the late 1990s when McNeely Locked-in on selling "boxes" and stopped listening to the marketplace. Sun created huge value with Solaris and Java, but had no idea how to capture that value so it just kept doing what it always did. Eventually, the market didn't see the value in the boxes any more, and the value of Solaris and Java had been frittered away. A lesson for any company that it must adapt to market needs or it will be squashed. Read more at http://WWW.ThePhoenixPrinciple.com
Posted by adam hartung on April 22, 2009 at 02:07 AM WEST #
IBM,Micro$oft,Dell,... finally, deservedly(and its about time) got some real competition, but no doubt, we'll see ?
Hopefully Oracle/Sun can fulfill what they say from All things Soft-to-Hard in the next few years.
The Sun brands really were the best(quality-wise).
And as far as "openSource,..." goes, and depending on your definition, well you can't kill it !, at worst, its how development sharpen their teeth - fer better or worse Mr. Larry knows that.
and in this economy today -its no time to tryn' nickeln'dime your customers using mysql -unless you wanna say goodbye and push them to PostgresDB.
;)
Posted by Rickster on April 22, 2009 at 03:09 PM WEST #