Choosing a Linux distribution

Hello, We are to develop an server application the main characteristics of which is such that it would receive data on a TCP from clients and commit those data to a database. It has to be high performance application with thousands of record that can come on TCP and faster committing to the database. I am looking for a Linux ditribution which would fit the requirements. I felt the MontaVista linux which is for carrier grade applications would be better. Can the forum please suggest which flavor would be better. Also what is the hardware which can be chosen. If the forum can lead me to any data points which gives an idea about the recent market share of different Linux distributions that would be great. Thanks, Prabhu