Comment by codingthewheel | Hacker News Reader

Comment by codingthewheel | Hacker News Reader

Oracle is paving the way to turn MySQL into (essentially) SQL Server Express: a free hobbled version of an otherwise commercial database, designed to do one thing and one thing only: pressure existing MySQL developers into moving to (and paying for) a commercial Oracle license. MySQL is nothing more than an onramp to Oracle. This was obvious when Sun was acquired. It's obvious now. Every word I've heard from Oracle regarding MySQL confirms this.

This is what Oracle means by "integration".

You think the number one commercial database provider in the world is going to help build and improve a free, robust, industrial strength database for the good of the open source community? Like they could care less whether you use a free DB or shell out for an Oracle license? Please. Oracle sees MySQL as a huge potential market, nothing more. And this is how the evisceration begins.

Just in case you didn't know, Oracle already has an Express version of the Oracle db. It has several limitations (mainly memory and a 5gb storage limit), but it is completely free.

http://www.oracle.com/technology/products/database/xe/index....

It's currently 10g, but from rumors I've heard, the 11gR2 Express version isn't too far away.

We're running a project on it right now. I'm not sure why my comment was downvoted-- shoot the messenger, I suppose-- but how is this relevant to the disposition of MySql as a payramp into commercial Oracle licenses? Or are you saying MySQL users have nothing to fear because Oracle already has a free "express" DB?

I was simply stating that Oracle already has an Express edition, since you mentioned you thought they were going to turn MySQL into a SQLServer Express-type product. I actually agree with your overall point. It's definitely not in Oracle's favor to improve MySQL or attempt to increase its use. If anything, they will continue to have a free, community edition, of MySQL, and then probably also spin off a commercial version targeted to those that don't need the full power of an Oracle database.

Oracle seems to make a majority of its money in support contracts, not licensing. I think they could do quite well if they released a commercial version of MySQL and sold support for it. (They may already do this, I'm not sure.)

Good point, and it all comes down to whether Oracle wants to play hardball. I saw a good discussion of this a while back, even touching on the disposition of some of the MySQL forks. Can't seem to find it anymore.

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