Open source database companies SkySQL and Monty Program - creators of MariaDB - have announced a merger that will see "key members" of the original MySQL team reunite to create what the two companies are calling a "next generation open-source database company".
MySQL was acquired by Sun Microsystems in January 2008 for $1bn, and later came under the control of Oracle when the company subsequently acquired Sun.
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Since then, key members of the team have been working at both support company SkySQL and on "drop-in replacement of MySQL" MariaDB at Monty Program.
The two companies joining forces represents, they hope, an opportunity to create a more powerful system to capitalise on a world increasingly turning to open source.
The merged company plans to "future-proof" MariaDB by adding support for "all MySQL database releases", but couple this with a pledge to keep MariaDB itself "open and transparent forever".
It also aims to "reduce database costs in line with other IT expenditure through effective maintenance and support".
Patrik Sallner, CEO of SkySQL, and soon to take the reins of the combined concern, said: "By bringing on board the talented MariaDB developer team, SkySQL proposes a comprehensive partnership to leading open source database users. We are committed to develop MariaDB into the most versatile open source database.
We look forward to working with the MariaDB Foundation as they engage with developers and users of MariaDB as well as with their important mission of ensuring the independence of the MariaDB project itself."
The UK government began championing open source platforms from March 2013, with Gov.uk's Government Service Design Manual recommending public-sector developers consider open source software before established, often more costly, solutions.
