Users of Ingres, which then-owner Computer Associates International Inc. turned open-source last year, say they are heartened by what they are hearing from Ingres Corp.

But analysts remain skeptical about Ingres' chances of success, and even the database's loyalists said it's a bit like deja vu, having listened to similar rhetoric when Ingres was acquired by CA in 1994.

"On the face of it, the announcement looks good," said Andy Park, information services project manager at the Pesticides Safety Directorate of the U.K. government, which has used Ingres since 1992. Park called it "rock solid" and less problematic than other databases he manages, such as SQL Server and MySQL.

"But what will happen in two to three years' time? Will the owners decide to sell the product and take their money elsewhere? It is a big opportunity for Ingres but a risk for existing users," he said.

Chairman and Interim CEO Terry Garnett, an enterprise software executive turned venture capitalist, on Nov. 7 finalized his takeover of the Ingres product line from CA. CA will retain 20% of the Redwood City, Calif.-based firm.