Database rival Microsoft last October said it would count each processor as one CPU regardless of the number of cores. At that time, there were few multicore machines, and, of the top three databases, Microsoft SQL Server is more likely to be found in departments and SMBs that don't typically use such high-end machines. Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft had less to lose than IBM or Oracle, both of which have more presence in high-end enterprise applications where multicore, multi-CPU servers are more likely.