Oracle moves to assure MySQL community it really does care

Oracle has proposed a more transparent approach to developing its open source database MySQL, including new features supporting vectors.

As if answering recent criticism of Oracle's custodianship of the LAMP stack poster child, Big Red published a blog post claiming "MySQL is fundamental to our data strategy."

Co-authored by vice president Heather VanCura and MySQL community manager Lenka Kasparova, the post continues: "Oracle firmly believes that MySQL's enduring strength arises from this vibrant global community. We are excited to work with the MySQL Community on the strategy we announced in Belgium, January 29, 2026, including adding more features and functionality, accelerating innovation directly in the MySQL core."

Among the new features now "prioritized" for developers are "AI and cloud alignment, such as vector, developer experience and developer-focused features, performance, such as scaling, observability, extensibility, and ecosystem/tooling/connectors."

Lack of vector support has become a problem for MySQL ...