MySQL Aligns With Microsoft On Tools

Open-source database darling MySQL is now officially part of Microsoft's Visual Studio Industry Partner Program. That's VSIP to you.

The move is really not surprising. While MySQL fields its popular database on Linux and other operating systems, a Windows version is also available. In fact, MySQL CEO Marten Mickos may have jumped the gun in April when he told CRN that MySQL was a tools partner with Microsoft.

It is not unprecedented for a database company that competes with Microsoft SQL Server to pledge allegiance to Microsoft's toolset. Oracle and Sybase have done so.

Still it's an interesting tidbit. MySQL, with US headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., joins at the mid-tier "Alliance" level. There are 240 such partners.

MySQL also avails itself of Microsoft 's Windows installer (WiX.)