Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise Express Edition for Linux is available for free on production systems running just a single processor with either 5Gb or disk or 2Gb RAM.
Sybase is aiming the database at organizations switching from Unix to Linux, already running Sybase, IBM Corp. or Oracle Corp., and who would historically bring in a free database like MySQL on new projects, to help reduce IT costs.
For companies already running Sybase, the company said its product provides the advantage of allowing customers to re-use existing skills instead of needing to learn MySQL.
The company believes it has an advantage over MySQL, because Adaptive Server Enterprise Express Edition provides an upgrade path to Sybase’s other Small and Medium Business (SMB) and enterprise databases. Sybase’s enterprise edition database includes high-availability features.
David Jacobson, senior director of marketing, said: Nearly 100% of customers are exploring the move from Unix to Linux. We want to provide a high-value database they can get their feet wet with, with a low cost low risk model.
We are offering a free production database and offer head room to move upstream, for customers who anticipate down the road they need end class scalability and availability, Jacobson said.
MySQL is virtually synonymous with free databases, and to bolster the challenge, Jacobson claimed Sybase is undertaking its largest media investment in Linux since 1999 to promote Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise Express Edition for Linux. He did not provide figures, but said money would be spent on online advertising, e-mail, web casts and other advertising forms during the next three to four months.
