Prefixing database table names

Question

I have noticed a lot of companies use a prefix for their database tables. E.g. tables would be named MS_Order, MS_User, etc. Is there a good reason for doing this?

The only reason I can think of is to avoid name collision. But does it really happen? Do people run multiple apps in one database? Is there any other reason?

Answer 1

Personally, I don't see any value in it. In fact, it's a bummer for intellisense-like features because everything begins with MS_. :) The Master agrees with me too.