MySQL is gaining popularity
What is it?
MySQL is an open source relational database management
system.
Linux is overtaking sales of established proprietary operating
systems, Apache is dominant in web servers, and languages such as
Perl and Python are used everywhere. But is the world ready for
open source databases? Not yet, said Meta Group - corporate users
will not give them houseroom for at least another five years.
However, systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL and Interbase are
beginning to infiltrate companies with low budgets, or those where
IT staff are given free rein.
Meta's objection, that "no supplier has stepped up to support an
open source database", is starting to crumble. Since September, a
commercially licensed version of MySQL has shipped with Netware
6.5, and Novell is providing technical support, overcoming another
corporate reservation.
Where did it originate?
Interbase was created in the mid-1980s by a group of ex-Digital
Equipment developers and subsequently acquired by Borland, which
made version 6.0 open source in 2000.
Postgres was developed at Berkeley University in 1986 by a team
that included Michael Stonebraker, father of the Ingres relational
database.
MySQL comes from Sweden, and is backed by the embedded database
company Progress. MySQL AB also sells SAP's database, SAP DB, under
the name MaxDB.
What is it for?
Meta said. "For the next few years, open source databases will be a
non-factor in the database management system market, relegated to
non-critical tasks such as clickstream logging and directories.
Open source databases also do not have a history of supporting
mission-critical, back-end applications."
However, a combination known as AMP (Apache/MySQL/PHP and Perl) is
gaining popularity as a webserver package, and the launch of
Netware AMP may push MySQL deeper into the enterprise.
How difficult is it to master?
There are GUI tools to make design and administration easier.
What makes it special?
The huge virtual teams behind open source products mean that new
features and fixes should become available far more quickly than
traditional database suppliers can make them. However, open source
databases have ground to make up: MySQL only recently acquired
two-phase commit and row-level locking.
But open source databases are cheap, or even free, depending on
whether you choose the support of a commercial licence, or rely on
the open source community.
Once installed, you can deploy them as widely as you like.
Suppliers and backers also claim they are more reliable and stable
than proprietary databases
Where is it used?
Users include Yahoo, Motorola, Google, Sony Pictures Digital
Entertainment, Nasa and Texas Instruments.
Don't confuse...
A free database with a no-cost database. Meta said switching from
an existing database could cost £600,000 or more as application
code, triggers and stored procedures have to be redone and staff
retrained.
What systems does it run on?
Versions of MySQL are available for most versions of Windows, Unix
and Linux.
What is coming up?
Features expected from proprietary databases will be added to open
source databases.
Training
Much open source training, like the software, is free. There are
also many sources for AMP training, such as the Apache site.
www.postgresql.org
www.mysql.com
www.borland.com/interbase
Rates of pay
MySQL is the most sought after open source database, although
people who already have Delphi or other Borland skills might
consider Interbase. Look for £20,000 to £40,000 depending on
experience.