Oracle Promises EU Concessions for a Free MySQL

Dec 14, 2009

Ulrich Bantle

Oracle is aiming for more transparency in the debate about the future of the databank MySQL and the pending investigation by the European Commission.

Since its takeover of Sun, Oracle has found itself in a dispute with the EU Commission. In a ten point plan, Oracle has set out proposals regarding the maintenance and continued no-cost availability of the MySQL database.

The Commission had voiced serious misgivings concerning the takeover and the possibility that Oracle could neglect MySQL in favor of its own database products.

The ten point plan is designed to fend off the Commission's suspicions of competition infringements. The plan contains concessions regarding the Storage Engine API and assurances that third parties who have purchased commercial licenses from Sun will be offered the same conditions.

The database specialists also promise to further enhance MySQL under the GPL, and have said there will be no commercial version without a free equivalent.

The EU Commission responded favorably on Monday, and confirmed that it has now entered into a constructive discussion with Oracle.

Related content

Oracle: European Commission Fails to Grasp Open Source

Oracle claims that the European Commission's public policy against Oracle's takeover of MySQL runs counter to open source freedom and the growing database market.

more »
Oracle-Sun Plans Missing MySQL

Oracle's takeover of Sun Microsystems hasn't been fully sanctioned by anti-trust entities and Oracle already has a message for customers: we'll continue to care intensively about SPARC and Solaris. Something's missing here: MySQL.

more »
Oracle Supports MySQL and OpenOffice

Following the European Commission's OK to Oracle's takeover of Sun Microsystems, Oracle has now released a statement from their top management about MySQL and Solaris.

more »
Sun To Cut 3000 Jobs

Sun Microsystems, recently bought by Oracle, have announced plans to cut 3000 jobs in the near future.

more »
Oracle Goes with Own DB, SPARC and UNIX

In Munich, Wednesday, March 10, Oracle announced its upcoming strategy for the Sun takeover: the new couple will now sell complete packages and, next to Oracle's database, further develop Solaris along with Sun's SPARC and Flashfire server technologies.

more »