The original version of the open source MySQL database was authored by Michael Widenius, who released the software in 1996 alongside David Axmark. This project anchored his career in database architecture, leading to the formation of MySQL AB and his later efforts to steward open-source database technology through the establishment of the MariaDB ecosystem.
Early Career and MySQL Development
Born in Helsinki in 1962, Widenius attended the school known as Läroverket för gossar och flickor before briefly studying at the Helsinki University of Technology. His professional career began in 1981 at Tapio Laakso Oy. By 1985, he co-founded the Swedish data warehousing firm TCX DataKonsult AB with Allan Larsson. During his tenure at MySQL AB, he served as chief technical officer until the company was sold to Sun Microsystems in January 2008. This acquisition generated approximately €16.6 million in capital gains for Widenius, positioning him among the ten highest earners in Finland that year.
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Following his departure from Sun Microsystems in 2009, Widenius co-founded the venture capital firm OpenOcean with Patrik Backman, Tom Henriksson, and Ralf Wahlsten. During the same period, he expressed public concern regarding Oracle’s acquisition of Sun Microsystems, specifically fearing the potential loss of control over the MySQL project. This prompted the launch of the 'Save MySQL' campaign. Simultaneously, he founded Monty Program Ab and initiated the fork of MySQL into MariaDB, named after his youngest daughter. He later merged this entity with SkySQL, eventually forming what is now known as the MariaDB Corporation.
Professional Governance and Recognition
Widenius participated in founding the MariaDB Foundation in 2012, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and advancement of the MariaDB codebase. He also helped establish the Open Database Alliance in 2009 alongside Percona to support enterprise-grade services for the community-developed branch. His contributions to the open-source movement have been recognized with the 2003 Finnish Software Entrepreneur of the Year award and the 2014 Open World Hero award from COSS. In 2016, he was identified by Tekniikan Akateemiset TEK as one of the most influential technology experts in Finland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Helsinki, Finland
- Education: Helsinki University of Technology, Läroverket för gossar och flickor
- Known for: MySQL, MariaDB
- Companies founded: TCX DataKonsult AB, MySQL AB, Monty Program Ab, OpenOcean
- Notable awards: Finnish Software Entrepreneur of the Year (2003), Open World Hero (2014)
- Languages: Finnish, English, Swedish
Questions readers ask
Why are his projects named My, Max, and Maria?
The names were inspired by his three children: My, Max, and Maria.
What is his role at the MariaDB Corporation?
He serves as the chief technical officer.
Achievements
- Affiliated with MySQL AB, MariaDB Corporation Ab and OpenOcean
- Educated at Helsinki University of Technology and Läroverket för gossar och flickor
- Worked as computer scientist, engineer and businessperson
