Microsoft announces SQL Server for Linux

I didn't mean anything in a negative/accusing way. The last sentence was actually not directed at you, it was a further explanation of why I wrote the original post (hoping to provide insight). I am quite annoyed that I like this proprietary solution; I'd really wish for something based on open standards, free software and as little vendor lock in as possible. If there is/was any negative tone, it is not directed at you.

Initially I also had a bit explaining about the cost. A one off fee is just that. But then the reliability comes into play and how much it would cost when it is down. Is the risk acceptable, etc. Within free software the assumption usually is that the cost should be low because anyone might be able to copy your work. While if you have big customers as a client, the cost calculation works quite a bit different (except if you're considered a commodity). I noticed that one of the KDE people at FOSDEM having a stand with a company (IIRC) related to communication. I think there's quite a bit of money to be made here. Even if the software plus support costs quite a bit per user; a company is able to save so much that this should be pretty profitable.