CRN Interview: MySQL Chief Martin Mickos

“As the CEO of MySQL AB, Martin Mickos is trying to leverage
open-source technologies to commoditize the database segment of the
market. Riding a wave of interest in Linux, MySQL is becoming
increasingly popular and has attracted support from industry
stalwarts such as SAP. In an interview with CRN Editor in Chief
Michael Vizard, Mickos talks about the impact open-source
technologies are having on the business models of solutions
providers.

“CRN: How does open source technology change
the way people need to sell solutions?

“Mickos: Open-source technologies can demote
the software issue from the pricing discussion with the customer.
They can focus the customer on talking about the application of the
logic and the value-add of the solution provider because they will
have all the tools available. We have all been led to believe that
software itself should carry the highest price tag of a new
application. Open source says that’s not true. Software deserves
money and it shouldn’t be completely free of charge but it doesn’t
have to be the lion’s part of the solution. And resellers and
integrators realize they will get higher market share because
customers will just see that they get the same stuff or better
stuff but at a lower price…”

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