Some interesting views from Paul Vallee, chairman of database support services provider The Pythian Group, about the currently stopped takeover of SUN by IBM:

Excerpt:

A stronger MySQL wouldn't hurt DB2's new customers, since there aren't many, 
Vallee said, nor would it cause many existing customers to consider a lengthy, 
tricky migration.

MySQL could hurt Informix, which IBM acquired in 2001 to help it regain the database 
crown, albeit for only one year. IBM hasn't put much marketing muscle behind Informix 
for years, though its user base remains strong and loyal.

What MySQL would cannibalize is DB2 Express, the free database IBM created in reaction 
to MySQL and other open-source databases.
But "it's not like DB2 Express does IBM much good or harm; it's just there," 
Vallee said.

Here is the link to the complete article:

• ComputerWeek - Experts: MySQL could enable IBM to take over the database market