IBM invests in PostgreSQL vendor EnterpriseDB.
This is good news for two reasons: First, it throws yet another (big) blue chip name behind the PostgreSQL brand and ecosystem. IBM was one of 4 firms participating in EnterpriseDB’s C round of venture financing, which raised $10 million for the firm.
Second, EnterpriseDB is also rebranding their value-add packagings of PostgreSQL as Postgres Plus and Postgres Plus Advanced Server. The products used to be branded as EnterpriseDB Server and EnterpriseDB Advanced Server respectively. This new naming scheme should bring more brand recognition to the underlying PostgreSQL project.
For those not familiar with EnterpriseDB, their main claim to fame is an Oracle compatibility layer that they’ve built atop PostgreSQL. This allows firms to save a few bucks by replacing Oracle databases with EnterpriseDB’s distribution of PostgreSQL. They also provide support and other value-added software and services for customers using PostgreSQL.
Speaking of databases, I highly recommend checking out FLOSS Weekly: Episode 26 where the guest is D. Richard Hipp, the creator of SQLite. SQLite is the most widely distributed relational database in the world. Aside from the interesting technical content, the interview can stand on the merits as a human interest story of how one man’s pet project can have a huge impact on the world.
