In fact the Linux database segment was by far the fastest growing part of the database market for the last calendar year, according to researcher IDC. (Of course it was growing from a much smaller base than Unix and Windows databases.)
HP's alignment with JBoss also could cause a competitive stir with BEA Systems, which competes fiercely with both IBM and JBoss Inc. in the J2EE application-server market. HP and BEA have a tight relationship to sell and deploy the BEA WebLogic software platform on HP servers. In fact, BEA's recent deal signing its first-ever U.S. distribution deal with Agilysys was mostly due to the fact that Agilysys carries the HP hardware line.
Also an ally of Microsoft, HP has to weigh its "coopetitive" stance carefully. The company has recently shown notable independence from its colleague, announcing joint deals with Microsoft competitors including one with Apple Computer in January on an HP-branded iPod. This spring, HP said it was teaming with Novell to offer the SUSE Linux desktop on select HP and Compaq machines.
Microsoft clearly views Linux specifically, and open-source software generally, as a threat to its market-leading Windows operating system. (See story.) HP's divided loyalties show how nervous Microsoft makes even its largest partners.
Sources confirmed the HP-JBoss-MySQL deal, but would not comment on the record.
Discover the benefits of scalable backbone and network services for application and cloud providers.
Network automation is gaining momentum. Here's how you can drive this powerful technology to its full potential.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
