MySQL Open Source Database in 2006 (B)

MySQL, an open source software firm, grew from a small $10M in 2004 into a successful $60M business by 2006. As it had anticipated, MySQL attracted the attention of the big three IT companies, IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle. Actively defending their high margin $10B database business, the big three implemented various strategies to combat their open source competitors. The case details these actions and explores MySQL’s options for preserving and growing its business in an increasingly competitive and hostile environment.