SQL on Linux, not that big of a deal.
I understand that if you're firmly in the Microsoft camp this can seem like a huge deal simply because the company has been against it (or at least not done it) for such a long time. But I honestly think that continuing to look at it in this way is wrong. Linux and Windows aren't really competitors.
Yes, both are operating systems. But, one is a single, proprietary and licensed operating system and the other is nebula of largely free and open source operating systems. I doubt that there was ever really a long standing period in time in which proponents of one could have been swayed to the other. And if so, not in recent history.
One reason which would have made this matter would have been if SQL were a part of the OS rather than a separate product. But it isn't. And that means any chance to increase revenue is smart. Also Linux is primarily operated in enterprises. That is important because Microsoft makes most of its software revenue from 2 primary sources. Deals with OEMs and enterprises.
Furthermore, they have put a lot of effort lately into being able to easily transpile to other languages and/or being able to execute within another language via a .Net Runtime. Meaning that, while there was probably some barrier to entry, it probably wasn't anywhere near as big as it would have been some years ago.
Where we end up is, Linux users weren't switching to Windows because of SQL and they likely still won't (and vice versa as well). But now, Linux users have a cheaper mainstream alternative to Oracle for enterprise databases. Existing Oracle shops are unlikely to switch. But I will wager they will make enough sales on new customers to justify the efforts. And honestly, they probably don't need to make too many sales in the Enterprise sphere to break even.
And, who cares if Windows shops go Linux as a result? Firstly, this would only happen on the back end. VERY few shops run Linux for their employee PCs. They aren't likely to lose any contracts over this except at smaller shops with only a handful of users. And, the revenue they get from the Enterprise SQL licenses and support probably mean they don't even lose all that much.
Lastly, it isn't like Microsoft has been anti-Linux in the past few years. They have made a lot of Linux related efforts in the past 2-5 years. Unless those investments weren't paying off, there was really no reason not to invest more. Frankly, this is less surprising than some of what they have done with Android and iOS where they are building software first on those platforms and in some cases even exclusively (mostly Garage-related).
Yes, both are operating systems. But, one is a single, proprietary and licensed operating system and the other is nebula of largely free and open source operating systems. I doubt that there was ever really a long standing period in time in which proponents of one could have been swayed to the other. And if so, not in recent history.
One reason which would have made this matter would have been if SQL were a part of the OS rather than a separate product. But it isn't. And that means any chance to increase revenue is smart. Also Linux is primarily operated in enterprises. That is important because Microsoft makes most of its software revenue from 2 primary sources. Deals with OEMs and enterprises.
Furthermore, they have put a lot of effort lately into being able to easily transpile to other languages and/or being able to execute within another language via a .Net Runtime. Meaning that, while there was probably some barrier to entry, it probably wasn't anywhere near as big as it would have been some years ago.
Where we end up is, Linux users weren't switching to Windows because of SQL and they likely still won't (and vice versa as well). But now, Linux users have a cheaper mainstream alternative to Oracle for enterprise databases. Existing Oracle shops are unlikely to switch. But I will wager they will make enough sales on new customers to justify the efforts. And honestly, they probably don't need to make too many sales in the Enterprise sphere to break even.
And, who cares if Windows shops go Linux as a result? Firstly, this would only happen on the back end. VERY few shops run Linux for their employee PCs. They aren't likely to lose any contracts over this except at smaller shops with only a handful of users. And, the revenue they get from the Enterprise SQL licenses and support probably mean they don't even lose all that much.
Lastly, it isn't like Microsoft has been anti-Linux in the past few years. They have made a lot of Linux related efforts in the past 2-5 years. Unless those investments weren't paying off, there was really no reason not to invest more. Frankly, this is less surprising than some of what they have done with Android and iOS where they are building software first on those platforms and in some cases even exclusively (mostly Garage-related).
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