* IBM offers free version of DB2 database Last week’s news that IBM is releasing a free version of its DB2 database software might be good news for system administrators seeking a low-cost (as in, no-cost) back-end server platform. But could the latest commercial database platform to go freebie be a bad omen for open source databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL?IBM released DB2 Express for Linux (and Windows), with support for 32-bit and 64-bit AMD processors (both single- and dual-core chips supported). IBM says it has already inked deals with Linux distributors to package the software with pre-built machines. IBM says DB2 Express will help spur development of applications running on Linux and IBM’s database platform.IBM’s move is not the most altruistic; last year, Oracle released its 10g Express database, a free version of its commercial offering. Microsoft has also tried to stem off open-source database momentum by releasing its SQL Express Edition. This kind of forced IBM’s hand, if it wants to stay competitive at the low-end of the market.The wild popularity of LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) for building Web-based application platforms is a testament to the strength of open source databases. But with the clout of Oracle and IBM pushing their own free databases, could we see the emergence of LAIP (Linux, Apache IBM, MyPHP) or LAOP (O for Oracle)? Related content news analysis Western Digital keeps HDDs relevant with major capacity boost Western Digital and rival Seagate are finding new ways to pack data onto disk platters, keeping them relevant in the age of solid-state drives (SSD). By Andy Patrizio Dec 06, 2023 4 mins Enterprise Storage Data Center news analysis Global network outage report and internet health check Cisco subsidiary ThousandEyes, which tracks internet and cloud traffic, provides Network World with weekly updates on the performance of ISPs, cloud service providers, and UCaaS providers. By Ann Bednarz and Tim Greene Dec 06, 2023 286 mins Networking news analysis Cisco uncorks AI-based security assistant to streamline enterprise protection With Cisco AI Assistant for Security, enterprises can use natural language to discover policies and get rule recommendations, identify misconfigured policies, and simplify complex workflows. By Michael Cooney Dec 06, 2023 3 mins Firewalls Generative AI Network Security news Nvidia’s new chips for China to be compliant with US curbs: Jensen Huang Nvidia’s AI-focused H20 GPUs bypass US restrictions on China’s silicon access, including limits on-chip performance and density. By Anirban Ghoshal Dec 06, 2023 3 mins CPUs and Processors CPUs and Processors Technology Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events NEWSLETTERS Newsletter Promo Module Test Description for newsletter promo module. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe