I found this article from Don MacAskill, the CEO of SmugMug, where he ends up pointing out all kinds of really interesting newer database and server technologies. It reads as an interesting set of alternatives for newer companies or budget-minded startups to think about.

There are a few items on the list of tech that relate more to the consumer space, but I don't disagree with his points there, either. He mentions the Nikon D90 and the Canon 5D MkII, for instance, because his startup is a photography-based company. But the top of the list is pretty solid and interesting to consider. What are YOUR technologies of preference?