MySQL co-founder David Axmark leaving Sun [Video]

Axmark’s departure will be a setback for Sun, which hopes to attract new developers to the database

Credit: monticello / Shutterstock

David Axmark, a co-founder and former lead engineer for MySQL, has resigned from Sun Microsystems a few weeks after another co-founder said he may also leave the company.

“I have thought about my role at Sun and decided that I am better off in smaller organisations,” Axmark wrote in his resignation letter, according to a blog post Tuesday from Kaj Arno, head of MySQL community relations.

“I HATE all the rules that I need to follow, and I also HATE breaking them. It would be far better for me to ‘retire’ from employment and work with MySQL and Sun on a less formal basis,” Axmark wrote. His last day with Sun will be Nov. 10, Arno said via instant message from Germany.

Axmark filled several important roles at MySQL over the years, including …