Java and MySQL 'doing well' under Oracle

Sun's Java is in good hands, according to a Jaspersoft poll

The popular MySQL database and Java programming language are flourishing in the hands of Oracle, according to a survey by open source business intelligence vendor Jaspersoft.

Nearly half of the 517 respondents have continued using MySQL since Sun Microsystems was acquired by Oracle, and 43 per cent believe that Oracle will continue to invest in and develop MySQL.

Just five per cent said that they are switching databases, with the most popular alternative being PostgreSQL.

Oracle has restructured the MySQL division and it is now independent from its parent's database business, showing Oracle's intention to give the division ample resources, according to Jaspersoft.

But the company needs to inform the open source community of moves like this, given that 59 per cent of Jaspersoft's respondents were not aware of this reorganisation.

Meanwhile, an overwhelming 80 per cent of respondents thought that the Java Community Process will stay the same or improve under the Oracle umbrella, showing a trust in the firm's judgement.

Nearly three quarters said that their use of Java will stay the same, 25 per cent envisaged an increase and only five per cent anticipated a decrease in use.

Java users have the best programming tools available on the market, and the survey results are not surprising, according to Tom Cahill, European vice president at Jaspersoft.

"The findings show Oracle's commitment to providing Java applications and programming. Oracle is 10 times the size of Sun Microsystems and has made a convincing case that it is going to invest [in this area]," he said.

"Oracle is trying to stay true to the open source community and is trying to differentiate itself from competitors like Microsoft, which gives away modular functionality but charges for its SQL server."

Customers will continue to flock to open source software because it is flexible and has lower licensing expenses, Jaspersoft said.

Oracle's plans for MySQL were one of the original stumbling blocks behind the European Union's approval of the merger with Sun. However, Oracle seems be making progress in winning over detractors.