Re: Rumor Control - Informix for sale

Alex Fiore wrote: > > Well, just working on the rumor without any facts, let us look at possible > suitors. > > Microsoft: Not likely, they have enough database technology already. They > are loaded down with FoxPro, Access, and SQL Server. No need for > Informix. > Eventually, SQL Server and NT will scale and you know they are targeting big corps as their next goal. > IBM: Again they have their own product (DB2). Why would they need Informix? > DB2 is certainly a viable player so I agree they have no need for Informix. > HP: Informix provides good technology on their platform. HP does not have a > database product of their own (that I know of). But why would they want > to get into the database business? Any real need? I can't see what good a database product would do them. > > Apple: I have to laugh! > Currently on death row. > CA: Informix is NEW technology, not dead technology. Next! > I thought of Computer Associates as a maybe--fans of Informix should hope it doesn't happen. > Netscape: They are bundling Informix products with some of their products. > But > do they have resources to buy Informix. I don't know, but I don't think > so. Not yet. > Why would Netscape want to become tied to one database? Doesn't that > kill their market with Oracle, Sybase, IBM, and MS database shops? > Problem is, MS and Oracle will offer the complete solution. Eventually, Netscape will need to do the same or else they will fail. Therefore, they need Informix's excellent database technology to complement their existing server products. Believing in mix and match with best of breed products is a pipe dream. BTW, I think Sybase will croak. > As far as Informix joining the big boys, didn't they pass Syabase this year > and > become the #2 database software company (behind Oracle)? > Yes, but my point was that I can't see where they can make it long term only on great database technology. The same sort of bundling that happened with office suites for the desktop will occur with the enterprise. Informix has no groupware and its too late to start.