Open source is no guarantee

Once trends become established, and open source is a trend, many companies rush in.

And for some, it doesn't work out. That doesn't mean the trend isn't valid. All business is a risk, and most risks don't pan out.

That's the real lesson in Pervasive's decision to drop its support of PostgreSQL.  In a letter to users president John Farr blamed, well competition.

We underestimated the high level of quality support and expertise already available within the PostgreSQL community. In this environment, we found that the opportunity for Pervasive Software to meaningfully increase adoption of PostgreSQL by providing an alternative source for support and services was quite limited.

What does this mean? If you're considering a move to Postgre, Farr thinks you can find great support solutions, at fair prices. Pervasive is going to put its money elsewhere, where it thinks it has a better chance of making a profit. And life goes on.

Business is a continual process of entrance, growth, risk, and shakeout. Just because some are getting shaken out doesn't change an underlying trend.