Postgres pioneer credits Oracle with helping his database take over the world
Big Red's acquisition of MySQL sent users running toward the open source alternative, says Michael Stonebraker
According to Postgres creator Michael Stonebraker, Oracle played a role in PostgreSQL's rise to dominance in the database market. Speaking to The Register, the UC Berkeley professor emeritus noted that Oracle's decision to retain MySQL after acquiring Sun Microsystems contributed significantly to PostgreSQL's growth, especially in systems utilizing or supporting the PostgreSQL wire protocol.
PostgreSQL was launched 30 years ago, adding SQL support to Stonebraker's earlier Postgres system, which he first proposed in 1986. The database gained popularity slowly but saw a surge in usage in the last five years, becoming the most popular choice for developers in 2023, according to the Stack Overflow survey. The Postgres pioneer believes PostgreSQL is on the path to taking over the world, with major tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon betting on the PostgreSQL wire format.
Microsoft, for instance, has contributed to PostgreSQL and launched its own distributed PostgreSQL database service, designed to compete with other hyperscaler systems and third-party RDBMSes. Stonebraker highlighted that rivals like MySQL are fading in relevance. Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010 following its purchase of Sun Microsystems, which had purchased MySQL AB two years prior.
While Oracle's control over MySQL was initially seen as relatively open, concerns have arisen in recent years about the company's commitment to investing in the database. In September last year, Oracle announced widespread layoffs across its core MySQL development team.
Stonebraker attributes PostgreSQL's popularity to the fact that it is not controlled by any single vendor. Instead, it is governed by a group of highly skilled developers, ensuring its independence and preventing vendor manipulation. Open-source software, according to Stonebraker, is at its best when it remains free from vendor control.
In his long career, which began with Postgres development, Stonebraker has founded several database companies, including Illustra and Vertica. Now in his 80s, he remains active in the industry, co-founding DBOS three years ago to create an AI agent platform using the time travel capabilities of PostgreSQL. The company has partnered with Databricks and CockroachDB, which offer PostgreSQL compatibility, in its AI agent deployments.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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