HP Pledges Support Of MySQL, JBoss

Uppsala, Sweden-based MySQL pioneered a way to offer both open-source and commercial versions of its wares--proof, some say, that the open-source model and profitability need not be mutually exclusive. JBoss, Atlanta, offers its software via an open-source license but charges for maintenance and support.

HP's move, which will include certifying the MySQL open-source database and the JBoss open-source application server on its servers, is seen as a countermeasure to IBM's noisy Linux push. IBM, Armonk, N.Y., has pledged allegiance--and big marketing dollars--to open source in an attempt to thwart the proliferation of Microsoft's software stack in customer accounts.

"It's a beautiful move," said Andrew Aitken, managing partner at Olliance Group, Palo Alto, Calif., of HP's plan. "It may not have immediate impact, but over time, it'll be important. It'll position HP against IBM. IBM has an entire software portfolio that HP can't compete against, and by HP getting involved with apps, it will strengthen their position."

IBM is positioning Linux as a viable competitor to Windows--and Unix--in business accounts. But it has been loathe to offer a similarly public endorsement of Linux or open-source software that competes with its own DB2- and WebSphere-branded database and application server, observers said.

HP can use its new allies to wrest enterprise and SMB deals away from IBM with two software offerings that have huge buzz in the market. Solution providers offering Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2 and Oracle databases say MySQL is gaining credibility even in mission-critical applications.

HP's alignment with JBoss could also cause a competitive stir with BEA Systems, which competes with both IBM and JBoss in the J2EE application server market.

ELIZABETH MONTALBANO and PAULA ROONEY contributed to this story.