Expanding Monty’s Role at MariaDB

Posted on December 12, 2023 by

Picture this: OSCON, 2008. A sumo wrestling ring, two database giants ready to tussle. On one side, Michael “Monty” Widenius, MySQL guru extraordinaire, on the other, Josh Berkus, PostgreSQL’s golden boy. It was an unforgettable spectacle, a quirky but memorable embodiment of the open-source community’s playful spirit. That conference is where my path first intersected with Monty in a truly memorable way.

Fast-forward to the present, and I’m thrilled to bring you some exciting news from MariaDB. Monty, the creative force behind MySQL and MariaDB, is stepping into a new role as our Technical Fellow. This position is more than just a title; it’s a tribute to Monty’s ability to merge technical brilliance with real-world applications.

Monty’s progression through the database world and ability to wear many different hats at MariaDB has been nothing short of remarkable. In his new role as Technical Fellow, he will channel his energy into what he excels at: advancing our database technology and ensuring it meets our customers’ needs. Successfully navigating this landscape demands a multifaceted individual – a bridge-builder who can weave together the technical nuances with the broader product strategy.

What has impressed me about Monty is that he has a dual understanding of intricate tech issues and customer insights. He’s always had an incredible knack for diving into complex engineering challenges while keeping a close eye on what users are saying. By working hand-in-hand with our engineering team, Monty will ensure MariaDB remains a step ahead technologically. Simultaneously, his involvement with customers guarantees their experiences and feedback directly shape our solutions.

Monty’s approach to technology is much like his approach to that sumo match – a blend of seriousness and lightheartedness, always ready to tackle big challenges. I’m thrilled to collaborate together on more innovative and customer-focused solutions. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue on this exciting path forward.