Given the strong revenue numbers Sun has been reporting for MySQL, the project's health seems sound, Cote added.

The shakeup "puts MySQL into the mainstream of software at Sun" and will help the company form "even tighter linkages between all software properties," Sun said in a statement.

Mickos' bio now that he will serve as an "open source strategist" until the end of Sun's current quarter.

Mickos could not be reached for additional comment Friday. It probably won't be long before he resurfaces in another venture, several observers predicted Friday.