Hewlett-Packard is set to announce plans Tuesday to expand its support for open-source software. The computing giant will certify and support MySQL, the leading open-source database program, and JBoss, a popular Java-based application server, on HP"s industry-standard servers.
Under the agreement, both MySQL and JBoss will join HP"s partner program and work jointly with HP on testing and engineering support. The companies also will co-operate on customer support.
While overshadowed by IBM in the Linux market, HP has shown significant interest in open-source software since its merger with Compaq Computer. HP recently began working with Novell to put Linux on its desktop PCs. It also has promoted Linux for its Intel-based servers and was one of the first to indemnify Linux customers against legal actions by the SCO Group.
With MySQL and JBoss, HP expands its open-source support to cover two of the fastest-growing areas for server-based software.
Swedish start-up MySQL has grown rapidly in the past few years to become a credible challenger to Microsoft"s SQL software for low-end database users. The company doubled its revenue to $12 million last year and expects to continue growing rapidly.