Re: Elocution

On Monday 09 Dec 2002 8:44 pm, greg@turnstep.com wrote:
> > So, here is my parable.
> >
> >    Should you drive to work in an M1A tank? There are lots of very good
>
> I think that is a faulty analogy. Think of Oracle as a BMW: it's expensive,
> but it has a brand name behind it, it is extremely reliable and safe,
> and you can take it back to the repair shop when it breaks. And of course,
> it looks good to be driving a BMW. ("Powered by Oracle" has a nice
> ring to it that adds some authenticity to your site)
>
> Sure, it is expensive and might not be needed, but why should a company
> limit its vision by getting a crappy Yugo-SQL that serves its needs now,
> but not in two years when the company grows?

A much better comparison (from our angle) is that existing DB suppliers are
like the British and US car manufacturers of the 70's. It's what the public
have always had so they're happy to pay for it.

We are the Japanese - quietly plugging away in our niche, spending our efforts
on improving the product rather than draping bikin-clad blondes over the
bonnet. A few independently minded souls have done a price/performance
comparison and decided it's what they need. Eventually, word of mouth spreads
and suddenly the outsider becomes a serious contender.

The existing suppliers don't vanish, but they have to raise their game to
compete.

--
  Richard Huxton