Oracle’s acquisition of InnoDB has already fuels various speculations on how the acquisition is used to ‘cripple’ MySQL given that the latter embeds InnoDB within it.
I don’t think Oracle is out to cripple MySQL.
Rather, I see this as a part of an overall strategy of Oracle minimising SAP’s growth…and at the same time extending itself to support open source.
1. Oracle Support for Open Source
Oracle, like IBM, have put its support behind open source. However, it is not possible for them to open source Oracle without losing revenue overnight.
InnoDB provides a good way for them to show how they are supporting open source.
2. Keeping SAP off
Back around 2003, SAP and MySQL enter into agreement to cross-licensing partnership. MySQL gains access to SAP source code for their matured SAP DB product…giving more options for transactional support.
On the other hand, SAP finds potential new channels to have their system supported on a greater database options.
InnoDB with its ‘deep relationship’ with MySQL, will give Oracle more options to fend off SAP. They can also work with MySQL and provide solutions on top of MySQL with InnoDB.
3. Other areas of interests
This is purely speculation. But I think , Oracle accquisition of InnoDB give them potential technology and in-roads into the mobile space. In other words, database for mobile devices.
Oracle is fighting war along many fronts. From SAP at the solution front, to database against open sourced products to companies like SleepyCat and Borland etc.
Without a doubt, Oracle has already become a major player in the solutions area. This acquisition is definitely more than just to fend off MySQL. It is a positioning against current competitors and also used as a one of the various move to go into ‘new’ or growing markets.