According to this insightful article, Matthew Aslett notes that Oracle is considering supporting MySQL, using their "unbreakable" concept of providing support for open source products, most notably Oracle's "Unbreakable Linux". 

Aslett notes that it will be a "first" for a proprietary database company to embrace an open source database:

"Here are just two things of note: Oracle has suggested it will offer support for the MySQL code, undercutting the company, and Oracle is already distributing the open source database management system. . .

Despite the competitive threat, Mickos is unmoved. “I hope they do that,” he said, noting that it would be seen as an endorsement of the open source database, and revealing that Oracle has already inadvertently endorsed the product."

Robin Schumacher, author and MySQL VP, notes that MySQL offers good support as well: "We're really not worried about Oracle supporting MySQL as Marten said.  It would be an endorsement of the open source DB movement, which just makes us stronger in may ways.":

"MySQL Enterprise Unlimited Site Agreements Now Available for the Cost of a Single CPU of Oracle Enterprise

Open Source Vendor Continues to Disrupt Traditional Enterprise Sales Models with All-You-Can-Eat Database Subscriptions for ,000

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- January 30, 2007 -- MySQL AB, developer of the world's most popular open source database, today unveiled a simpler way for large and growing organizations to acquire and adopt enterprise software.

Designed with a customer's perspective in mind, a one-year MySQL Enterprise Unlimited subscription offers a company-wide enterprise site agreement at the unprecedented low price of ,000 (EUR 32,000, GBP 24,000).

"MySQL Enterprise has made it significantly easier to purchase database software and technical support for our entire organization," said Glenn Bergeron, systems manager for Instaclick Inc., one of the first companies to take advantage of MySQL Enterprise Unlimited. "This new offering is ideal for corporate IT organizations with a growing number of projects but a tightly-fixed budget."

MySQL Enterprise Unlimited is designed for companies with existing site licenses for Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase and IBM DB2. Last year, a survey of the Independent Oracle User Group showed that a full third of its membership also used MySQL (1). With a MySQL Enterprise Unlimited subscription, an organization can develop, manage and fully support any number of MySQL database applications -- significantly reducing IT time, cost and risk.

"Due in large part to advantages in distribution and volume, open source has the ability to disrupt traditional enterprise software pricing," said Stephen O'Grady, principal analyst for RedMonk. "MySQL is attempting to prove as much with its latest site wide agreements, which offer customers the ability to support every database across their enterprise at a fraction of the traditional cost."

In the past year, MySQL AB has experienced record growth in its enterprise subscription business. In the fourth quarter, the company launched its new MySQL Enterprise offering, a comprehensive set of production-tested software, proactive monitoring tools, and premium support services. [See today's related press release, "MySQL AB Completes Record Year".]"