This is one of the reasons why Brand believes the functionally-locked or cut-down version of databases have generally been "very poorly" accepted by the developer community.

"Developers want access to fully featured products, not just a 'mini-me', hence the interest in MySQL," he said.

"The exception to this is in the use of embedded databases where data stores enrich client functionality. We don't see this happening though with any server-based, Web-based applications or any client/server apps being migrated off proprietary databases."

Brand said organizations should simply "get over" the single repository idea and make use of a limited number of technologies where they are most appropriate - including open source database products.

"Larger, more complex databases are not always the answer for improving information management practices, including security, ease of access, or semantic integrity," he said.