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The GARA Systems Blog

What Will Become of MySQL Under Oracle Control?

Friday, May 8th, 2009
by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Free Software, Databases, Tech Market | No Comments »

As most have heard by now, Oracle, the database megacorp, has purchased Sun and, with it, the MySQL database server.  This raises questions about the future of MySQL.  Because MySQL represents at least some level of competition for Oracle’s main product some fear that MySQL will be squashed.  However, before you get too concerned consider the following.

First, while not the biggest friend to the open source community, Oracle does in fact have some open source assets. For example, InnoDB, the default storage engine used by MySQL, is in fact an open source product from Oracle.  They acquired this when they purchased Innobase in 2005.  Here is Oracle’s stated position on open source:  http://www.oracle.com/technologies/open-source/index.html.  Given that, there is some hope they will keep it alive.

Second, I think Oracle will continue offering MySQL as a marketing tool.  I expect they will use the installed user base as a prospecting ground for their premium offerings.  I imagine they will create migration paths for current MySQL users to upgrade to Oracle Database.  That said, I don’t expect we will see large advances in the project.  It is possible Oracle will use it as sandbox for testing out new technologies, however, I don’t expect them to accelerate development of MySQL.  Fortunately, MySQL is already a relatively mature product.

Last, but certainly not least, we should remember that MySQL is open source.  Now that they own the rights, it is true that Oracle can create a commercial product from it and begin charging license fees.  However, because MySQL is open source, anyone, can take the current source base and continue it’s development under the open source model.  They may have to change the name as MySQL is a trademark, however, that would be strictly cosmetic. If Oracle does drop support for the free community edition I imagine someone in the open source community will pick up where they left off.  In fact, Michael “Monty” Widenius, the original founder of MySQL, has since moved on to a new project called MariaDB.  MariaDB is a fork of the MySQL project.  The project’s goal is to maintain a free branch of MySQL that is compatible with the main branch.  The first stable release is expected in August, 2009.

My assessment is that MySQL or a compatible fork, like MariaDB, will continue to be available to all.

Previous Posts

5 Reasons Every Small Business Should Have a Data Warehouse

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Business Solutions, Databases | No Comments »

As a developer of database and other IT solutions for small business, it will come as no surprise that I am a big advocate of the data warehouse. Data warehouse projects account for more than 50% of my business. That is because data warehouses offer a variety of benefits that provide real value to small business. This post describes some of the best reasons for implementing one.

Read the full text »

The 3 Best Ways to Improve Computer Performance

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Free Software, Product Review | 2 Comments »

In response to a reader question, I identify the most effective techniques to improving your computer’s performance.

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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Solutions Store | No Comments »

Discover the advantages of DentalPlans.com, the definitive online source for superior savings, service and selection on quality discount dental plans.

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QuickBooks Pro 2009 is Free Today Only

Monday, December 22nd, 2008 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Free Software | No Comments »

Staples and Intuit are making QuickBooks 2009 Pro free after instant and mail-in rebates. This offer is good only for today (12-22)!

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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Bookmarkify | 9 Comments »

This release corrects an issue with displaying site icons in some WordPress installations.

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Bookmarkify 1.1.1

Sunday, November 9th, 2008 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Bookmarkify | 3 Comments »

Bookmarkify gets one new feature, one new sharing site and a bug fix. The bug fix addresses the issue mentioned in the previous post.

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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Bookmarkify | 7 Comments »

A few users have reported some issues with Bookmarkify. A change to address these issues is underway. This post covers some of the details.

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Use a Cache to Improve Website Performance

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in Performance Tips, Web Admin | 1 Comment »

Most website owners hope to grow their traffic. Many of us do this by providing dynamic database driven content. However, too much traffic can cause problems. Learn how using a cache can increase the capacity of your server and improve your visitors’ experience.

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Updated and Improved Site Design

Thursday, October 30th, 2008 by Gary Keorkunian
Posted in General | 2 Comments »

If you visit the site often then you’ve probably noticed a variety of small improvements made to its design over the past few weeks. Of course, because I do all of the work on the site myself, its evolution is perpetually ongoing.

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