Oracle: Best Database Software Global
One of the world’s most widely used open source database applications has found a safe and nurturing home in Oracle – the second-largest software company in the world. After it acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, Oracle became the keeper of MySQL – a relational database management system originally developed in Sweden and released as a fully-functional free version under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Proprietary commercial versions with added functionality are also marketed.
MySQL is a favourite amongst web designers worldwide and powers more than a quarter of the world’s websites as part of a software stack that also include server and scripting software. MySQL also sits at the heart of countless open source content management systems such as WordPress and Drupal. Easily scalable, MySQL drives websites with large traffic volumes such as Facebook, Twitter, and even Google – though not for its searches.
Oracle’s acquisition of MySQL, albeit indirect, initially caused considerable concern for the database’s future as open source software. However, Oracle has not only maintained support for MySQL but increased the frequency of updated releases as well – thus proving that a large corporation can be an excellent guardian of open source software. Oracle also supports, maintains, and updates JavaScript – one of the web’s most popular programming languages.
The CFI.co judging panel commends Oracle on its support of MySQL and a series of other essential open source projects. The judges are pleased to offer Oracle the 2016 Best Database Software Global Award.
