[UPHPU] SQL Grouping

[Jeremy Burgess]

Jeffrey Moss wrote:

> The reason MySQL is so popular is because it runs nicely under 
> windows, not because it is fast.


I would add that MySQL is backed by a very aggressive business 
organization where other OSS alternatives are not. Often good 
technologies are kept from mainstream because they are not packaged 
well. MySQL has paid a price that others have not by producing good 
documentation online, printed texts, keeping their site updated and 
having a visual design.  MySQL has something that other "Damn Cool" OSS 
technologies do not ... they have a Brand.

Ease of use is also where MySQL has an advantage, not quite as much 
today, but a simple tool like phpMyAdmin, getting out relatively early, 
made it more accessible to the mainstream and large hosting companies 
were able to put a database in reach of many of there customers.

Organizations like MySQL and Mozilla are doing so well because they have 
figured out the value of marketing. "Marketing," the word still makes my 
blood chill, but as much as the marketing world is full of crap, there 
is still a principle there and it pays to not ignore it like most 
high-minded geeks would like to do. Shoot, toss lawyers in there too. 
Take marketing AND lawyers away from Microsoft and it will fall on its 
arse. I could go on forever here .... most of you can fill in the blanks.

It takes all kinds, folks!

-- 
Jeremy Burgess
Edgecast Web Solutions
www.edgecast.net
jeremy at edgecast.net
801.580.6625