I could speculate – like many other people – on what the Oracle/Sun acquisition may mean for MySQL, but I’m sure that it’s best that I don’t for a whole variety of reasons (the first one being I’ll likely be wrong).

But anyway, if you’re thinking ‘start-up’ then you might want to take a look at BizSpark and the access it provides to SQL Server (amongst other stuff) and all, essentially, for nothing (actually a $100 exit fee). Drop @bindik a line to explain more, but here’s the basics (my highlight below):

• All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription
• Expression® Studio Version 2
• VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)
• Production use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to the latest versions of Microsoft products including:
  • Microsoft Windows Server® (all editions up to and including Enterprise)
  • Microsoft SQL Server® (all editions)
  • Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server
  • Microsoft System Center
  • Microsoft BizTalk® Server
  • Microsoft Dynamics® CRM (coming soon)
• In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as:
  • Microsoft Azure™ Services Platform

Do you qualify for BizSpark? The simple criteria and more details on the deal are here.