 As the year draws to a close, it's a good time to look at what's hot for 2009. Open source at the database layer — and in new areas such as storage — is set to take off.
An economic slowdown often leads to a disruptive shift in the technology industry.
For example, during the dot-com bust, the market looked to open source as a cost-effective alternative, and the result was the rise of open source.
Looking ahead for 2009, we predict that the current slowdown will be the catalyst for the next generation of open source — particularly in data-driven software and services.
Notably, we expect to see open source at the database layer and in areas such as open storage really start to compete with the proprietary technologies that have dominated until now.
Gartner has predicted that by 2012 more than 90 per cent of enterprises will use open source in direct or embedded forms.
In line with this, open source databases have made it into the mainstream user base in Australia.
For example, many of the top 100 Australian companies now use the open source database MySQL and local downloads of the database are on the rise.
In 2009, Australian organisations will continue to focus on cost in IT purchasing decisions.
MySQL, and other open source technologies present a viable option to companies looking to implement the latest in technology while controlling expenditure.
In addition, local interest in the world's first open storage offerings is strong.
The latest open storage offering from Sun (released in November) combines open source software and industry standard components in simple-to-use storage appliances.
They cost up to 75 per cent less than competitive offerings, can be installed in five minutes, and require minimal training.
This disruptive technology is set to dramatically simplify the way we store and manage the ever increasing volumes of data in our organisations.
As always, Sun will continue to invest in developing new, open ways to approach traditional IT challenges that add value.
As the year draws to a close, I wish you all the best for the holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
If you want more information on topics covered in this issue of Inner Circle, please contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Duncan Bennet
Vice President and Managing Director
Sun Microsystems Australasia Pty. Ltd.
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