Actually I don’t see it targeted at MySQL at all although there may be some slight element to that. I see Microsoft with their upcoming [Nov 7th] release of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition firmly in their cross-hairs. Unlike MSDE, the stripped down version of SQL Server 2000, this beast is far more capable and hooking it up with the other Express Edition packages using LINQ is pretty much a no brainer which has to be making Oracle a bit nervous. Toss in multiple simultaneous data readers, true XML, Analysis Services with either relational or dimensional models, and Reporting Services, all for free and you have something that a workgroup or SMB developer can sink his/her teeth into. I’ve been poking and prodding it for a while now and it’s rather nice.

That IBM has dipped it toes in this water with a version for PHP/dB2 makes it all the more interesting from the individual or small team perspective. I foresee a lot of rather large downloads in my future although methinks Oracle hasn’t got a prayer here. Thanks for the tip on IBM. I missed that one in the journals.