Many features contribute to MySQL's standing as a superb database system. Its speed is one of its most prominent features. In a comparison by eWEEK of several databases—including MySQL, Oracle, MS SQL, IBM DB2, and Sybase ASE—MySQL and Oracle tied for best performance and for greatest scalability. MySQL is remarkably scalable and is able to handle tens of thousands of tables and billions of rows of data quickly and smoothly.
Re: MySQL Popularity
Many features contribute to MySQL's standing as a superb database system. Its speed is one of its most prominent features. In a comparison by eWEEK of several databases—including MySQL, Oracle, MS SQL, IBM DB2, and Sybase ASE—MySQL and Oracle tied for best performance and for greatest scalability. MySQL is remarkably scalable and is able to handle tens of thousands of tables and billions of rows of data quickly and smoothly.