Postgres pioneer credits Oracle with helping his database take over the world

Postgres creator Michael Stonebraker credits Oracle with inadvertently aiding PostgreSQL's rise to dominance, despite being a competitor. In a recent interview with The Register, Stonebraker, a UC Berkeley professor emeritus, explained that Oracle's decision to retain MySQL following its acquisition of Sun Microsystems in 2010 proved to be a pivotal moment.

This move not only prevented Oracle from monopolizing the MySQL ecosystem but also unintentionally bolstered PostgreSQL's prospects, particularly among databases utilizing or supporting its wire protocol. Launched 30 years ago this summer, PostgreSQL has witnessed a surge in adoption over the past five years, becoming the most favored database management system among developers, according to a 2023 Stack Overflow survey.

Major tech vendors like Microsoft, AWS, and Google have recognized PostgreSQL's potential, integrating it into their services or supporting its compatibility. Stonebraker asserts that PostgreSQL is progressively taking over the world, as the three tech giants have vested significant confidence in the PostgreSQL wire format. Meanwhile, MySQL's relevance appears to be waning as a competitor.

Oracle's acquisition of MySQL in 2010, initially perceived as open, has recently raised concerns about their commitment to the database's future development. Stonebraker attributes PostgreSQL's remarkable success to its open-source nature, driven by a group of exceptionally talented developers who ensure its independence from any single vendor.

Despite his age, Stonebraker remains active in the database industry, having co-founded DBOS three years ago to explore time travel capabilities for agentic workflows. The company, now led by CEO Qian Li and CTO Peter Kraft, partners with DBOS and leverages its technology for AI agent deployments.