What is it?
MySQL is an open source relational database management system
that is widely used for web applications and embedded
applications.
For products that defy the old proprietary development model,
1995 was a seminal year. Java, Apache and MySQL, described as the
world's most popular open source database, are all 10 years old
this year.
MySQL is expected to release version 5 this month, which has
enterprise-class features. It has built up its user base as part of
the Lamp (Linux. Apache, MySQL/Postgres/Perl/PHP/ Python)
platform.
MySQL is available both free under an open source licence, and
with a commercial licence shipped with other products such as
Novell's Netware. Similarly, support is available through the MySQL
community, or by commercial subscription.
MySQL has been the database equivalent of a no-frills airline
and version 5 will continue to address those applications for which
an enterprise database is too much. But new capabilities such as
running enterprise resource planning applications may bring MySQL
head to head with database market leaders IBM DB2 and Oracle.
Where did it originate?
Like Linux, MySQL comes from Scandinavia. MySQL AB was founded
by two Swedes and a Finn.
What's it for?
MySQL has acquired its six-million-plus user base as a
no-nonsense back-end for Lamp-based web applications on the basis
of performance as well as price.
Version 5 supports Ansi SQL-standard stored procedures and
triggers, and performs tasks such as error checking in ways that
will be familiar to users of Oracle and DB2. However, the old ways
will still be there for those who prefer them, and most current
MySQL applications will run unchanged on Version 5. On the ERP
front, MySQL is reported to be working with SAP and Agresso.
What makes it special?
MySQL AB says it offers "minimalist but functionally rich"
features, yielding speed and compactness. Other claims include
database licensing costs reduced by 90%, system downtime reduced by
60%, and administration, engineering and support costs cut by up to
50%.
Analyst firms such as Ovum point out that licence and
maintenance fees are a small part of total cost of ownership, and
other claims have yet to be proven in enterprise environments.
How difficult is it to master?
Those with experience of Structured Query Language and
relational databases can retrain in three days - though given the
rates available to Oracle and other database administrators, there
is little temptation to do so unless the organisation they work for
is majoring on the Lamp platform. MySQL AB offers a five-day course
aimed at relative beginners, although this still needs some
knowledge of SQL.
Where is it used?
Though most widely used at the lower end of the market, MySQL
has large corporate users including AOL and Google, Dow Jones,
Associated Press, Nasa, Suzuki, Alcatel, Ericsson and Siemens.
What systems does it run on?
Both the most popular and some obscure platforms. Novell, BMC,
Cisco, Hewlett-Packard and Dell are among the firms that resell and
support it. MySQL can be embedded in Java applications.
What's coming up?
Version 5 is imminent. Analysts predict that whether or not it
succeeds in the enterprise datacentre, MySQL will be more widely
taken up by independent software suppliers.
Rates of pay
MySQL developers with Perl/PHP skills can expect to earn £18,000
to £40,000, depending on seniority. This is less than equivalent
Oracle developers, but MySQL skills are much cheaper to
maintain.
Training
MySQL AB delivers training in London. Costs are in line with
commercial IT training, at £1,650 for a five-day course.
Independents such as GB Direct also offer MySQL training.