Microsoft Ponders Open-Source Database
The software giant is considering making the source code for its SQL Server database available to customers, according to Tom Rizzo, director of product management in Microsoft's SQL Server unit.
Source: ZDNetIn an interview with CNET News.com, Rizzo said that the company is thinking about including the forthcoming SQL Server 2005 in Microsoft's shared-source program for disclosing product source code to customers.
"It's not finalized. It's not anything there, but if a lot of customers demand it, we'll definitely look at doing shared source with SQL Server," Rizzo said.
Stephen O'Grady, an analyst at RedMonk, said Microsoft would do well to tap into some of the advantages of the open-source development model.
"There is an opportunity to realize a lot of the benefits around the community in terms of security, transparency and openness and just demonstrate that they're not a natural enemy to open source," O'Grady said.
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