MySQL License – A Complete Guide To Licensing

MySQL licensing works through a combination of open-source and commercial options:

• MySQL License Models: Offers open-source GPL and commercial licenses. GPL allows public use, modification, and redistribution of source code under GPL terms. Commercial license suits those needing extra support or source code privacy.
• MySQL Editions: Various editions like MySQL Classic (embedded only), MySQL Standard, and MySQL Enterprise cater to different requirements.
• License Costs: Prices vary based on the edition and server sockets. Licensing is available through Oracle partners under ASFU or ESL agreements. Specific pricing is set by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).

Learn About MySQL license 

The popular open-source relational database management system, MySQL License, existed in 1995. Sun Microsystems acquired it in 2008, followed by Oracle in 2010.

MySQL licensing includes both open-source and commercial options:

• Open Source GPL License: Free to use, modify, and distribute. Requires any derivative work to be open-source under the GPL.
• Commercial License: For businesses needing proprietary solutions, additional support, or to keep their source code private.
• Editions: Different editions like Classic, Standard, and Enterprise, each tailored to specific use cases.
• Pricing: Varies based on edition and usage, with licenses available through Oracle partners.

MySQL License Models

MySQL licensing operates under a dual license model, catering to commercial distributors (such as OEMs, ISVs, and VARs) and open-source projects.

The key aspects are:

1. Dual License Model: MySQL is available for free software application developers under the open-source GPL (General Public License). A commercial license agreement with Oracle is required for commercial applications that don’t want to distribute their source code under the GPL.
2. Editions: MySQL offers various editions, including Standard, Enterprise, and Cluster Carrier Grade Edition. The Standard and Enterprise Editions provide a range of features suitable for different business needs. At the same time, the Cluster Carrier Grade Edition is designed for high-performance and high-availability environments, especially for telecommunications and similar industries.
3. License Costs: The pricing for MySQL licenses varies based on the edition and the number of sockets in the server. The Cluster Carrier Grade Edition is also available through Oracle partners or directly from Oracle.
4. Commercial License Benefits: The commercial license allows the integration of MySQL with commercial software without the obligations of the GPL, such as releasing the source code.
5. Purchasing a Commercial License: Ideal for OEMs, ISVs, and VARs embedding MySQL in their commercial applications but not wanting to adhere to GPL terms.

MySQL Editions

MySQL offers various editions tailored to meet specific business and technical requirements:

1. MySQL Classic Edition (Available only as an embedded database):
   • Includes MySQL Database Server, Connectors, Replication.
   • Uses the MyISAM storage engine.
2. MySQL Standard Edition:
   • It features the MySQL database server, connectors, replication, and workbench.
   • Supports MyISAM and InnoDB storage engines.
3. MySQL Enterprise Edition:
   • Offers comprehensive enterprise features, including all Standard Edition features.
   • Additional components include MySQL Fabric, Partitioning, Utilities, Enterprise Backup, Monitor, HA, Scalability, Security, and Audit.
4. MySQL Cluster Carrier Grade Edition (CGE):
   • Expands on Enterprise Edition with support for larger data sets.
   • MySQL Cluster Manager, active geographical replication, and additional scalability and disaster recovery capabilities.

Each edition serves different organizational needs, with the Enterprise and Cluster CGE Editions providing more advanced features for complex, enterprise-level requirements. When choosing an edition, it’s essential to consider the specific features required for your business needs.

The Different Editions Of MySQL Licences

MySQL provides a range of editions under its licensing model, each designed to suit different user and provider requirements.

Here’s an overview:

1. MySQL Community Edition:
   • Type: Open-source, freely downloadable.
   • License: General Public License (GPL).
   • Features: MySQL Database Server, Connectors, Replication, Fabric, Partitioning, Utilities, Workbench.
   • Support: Backed by a large developer community.
2. MySQL Cluster Carrier Grade Edition (CGE):
   • Focus: High availability, real-time database.
   • Support: Access to Oracle Premier Support.
   • Features: MySQL Cluster, Cluster Manager, Enterprise Backup, Monitor, Workbench Standard Edition.
   • Use Case: Suitable for managing, monitoring, and securing MySQL Cluster databases.
3. Embedded MySQL (MySQL Classic Edition):
   • Availability: Only for independent solution providers/partners.
   • Agreement Requirement: ASFU Program or ESL Distribution Agreement with Oracle.
   • Use Case: Tailored for embedded database solutions.
4. Full Use Licenses:
   • Availability: Not offered through Oracle Corporation or resellers directly.

Each edition caters to specific business needs, from individual developers and small businesses to large enterprises and specialized service providers.

The choice of the correct edition depends on the user’s technical requirements and the intended application of MySQL.

Understanding MySQL Cluster Carrier Grade Edition

MySQL Cluster Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) is a specialized version of the widely-used database explicitly designed for high-demand industries.

Critical Aspects of ‘Carrier Grade’

• Designed for Critical Industries: Tailored for telecommunications, networking, etc.
• Robust and Reliable: Built to withstand heavy loads and maintain performance.
• High Standards: Meets stringent requirements where system failure can have major impacts.

Features of MySQL Cluster CGE

1. Real-Time Performance:
   • Architecture: Distributed, multi-master setup.
   • Instant Data Propagation: Ensures quick, conflict-free data handling.
2. High Availability:
   • Shared-Nothing Architecture: Eliminates single points of failure.
   • Automatic Failover and Recovery: Guarantees consistent data availability.
3. Scalability:
   • Horizontal Scaling: Accommodates increasing data and user loads.
   • Automatic Load Balancing: Manages the load distribution efficiently.
4. Data Integrity:
   • Supports ACID Transactions: Maintains data integrity during failures.
5. Integration and Management:
   • Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with MySQL services.
   • Management Tools: Can be managed with familiar MySQL tools.

MySQL CGE is thus ideal for applications requiring high availability, scalability, and real-time performance, making it a top choice for mission-critical applications in demanding industries.

What is the difference between MySQL and MySQL Cluster?

MySQL Cluster is a technology that allows you to run MySQL across multiple servers or nodes, providing high availability and scalability.

It is a variant of MySQL designed for high-availability environments and real-time applications. It uses a shared-nothing system, meaning each node in the cluster is independent and self-sufficient.

This allows for automatic failover and recovery, ensuring your data is always available.

Comparison of the different MySQL editions:

MySQL License Costs

There are three editions: Classic, Standard, and Enterprise Edition licenses.

They are obtained through Oracle partners with an ASFU or ESL Distribution Agreement.

These perpetual licenses are unavailable for sale or distribution as full-use licenses by Oracle direct sales representatives or partners under a Full Use Distribution Agreement.

Individual Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) determine the pricing for these MySQL editions.

Cluster Carrier Grade Edition licenses, also perpetual, are available through Oracle partners with ASFU or ESL Distribution Agreements or directly from Oracle.

The pricing for MySQL Perpetual licenses offered by Oracle is as follows:

MySQL price list as of March 1, 2023:

The pricing for MySQL perpetual licenses depends on the edition and the number of sockets in the server.

FAQ on MySQL License

What is HeatWave SQL?

HeatWave SQL is a feature in Oracle’s cloud offering, specifically designed as an in-memory query accelerator for MySQL Database Service in the Oracle Cloud.

It significantly enhances MySQL performance for analytics and mixed workloads.

The critical aspects of HeatWave SQL include:

1. Performance Optimization: It dramatically accelerates MySQL performance, making it suitable for demanding database applications that require high-speed processing of large data sets.
2. Real-time Analytics: Enables real-time analytics directly on the operational MySQL database, thereby eliminating the need for data movement and duplication for analytics processing.
3. Scalability: Designed to scale efficiently in the cloud environment, it can handle massive datasets and user requests without sacrificing performance.
4. Integration: It is seamlessly integrated with MySQL Database Service, providing a unified platform for OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) workloads.
5. Cost Efficiency: Offers a cost-effective solution for high-performance database operations in the cloud, leveraging Oracle Cloud’s infrastructure.

Future Trends in MySQL and Licensing

The future of MySQL and its licensing landscape is likely to be shaped by several key trends and predictions:

1. Increased Cloud Integration:
   • Prediction: A more significant shift towards cloud-based deployments, aligning with the global trend towards cloud computing.
   • Impact on Licensing: This could lead to more flexible and scalable licensing models for cloud environments.
2. Growth in Open Source Adoption:
   • Trend: Continued growth in open-source software popularity.
   • MySQL Implication: Enhanced community support and potentially more contributions to MySQL’s open-source edition.
3. Advancements in Database Technology:
   • Future Developments: Incorporation of AI and machine learning for advanced data analytics and management.
   • MySQL’s Role: Potential for new, specialized editions or features catering to AI-driven data processing.
4. Heightened Focus on Security and Compliance:
   • Global Concern: Increasing emphasis on data security and privacy regulations.
   • MySQL’s Approach: Enhanced security features and compliance tools in future editions, possibly affecting licensing terms.
5. Diversification of Licensing Options:
   • Prediction: A broader range of licensing options, catering to varied business needs and deployment scenarios.
   • Outcome: Tailored licensing for different scales of operations, from small businesses to large enterprises.

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