A Swedish upstart is challenging Microsoft in the database arena by making use of the same low-end assault tactics that the software giant employed to gain a foothold.
MySQL, which sells an open-source database of the same name, was nearly unheard of in corporate technology circles a few years ago. Now the company"s competitively priced, easy-to-use database is becoming increasingly popular with business customers looking for smaller, less-expensive options.
And the money is coming in. The venture-backed company"s revenue doubled last year to $12 million (10 million euros), and more growth is expected. MySQL executives also foresee steady profits in 2005, though this year the company expects to dip in and out of profitability as it plows revenue back into new development projects such as a graphical management tool and a clustering addition, which MySQL is launching at its customer conference that starts Wednesday.