Open source database vendor MySQL is out with the latest version of its flagship database, and touting it as the most significant upgrade in its ten-year history.
The latest MySQL 5.0 version is designed help relational database systems (RDBS) administrators to both use and transition to MySQL, while providing expanding enterprise features.
For example, it features a Graphical User Interface (GUI) migration toolkit that promises to migrate data to MySQL from other database platforms, notably Microsoft’s SQL Server and Access database applications, as well as Oracle’s lines.
MySQL 5.0 also features federated and archive storage engines, which give database administrators the ability to swap which one they need for which tasks.
With the new release, MySQL is also improving its visual tools for database administration. That means its tweaking its MySQL Query Browser and MySQL Administrator tools, since they launched last December.
The latest release and new features arrive as MySQL is trying to capture new revenue with its subscription-based partner networking program. Launched last year, the MySQL Network is a subscription based service that includes enterprise-grade support as well as warranties and indemnification for MySQL’s database.
An adjunct to the program, the MySQL Network Certified Partner Program, is an initiative that ensures that partners’ solutions will work properly with the MySQL Network.
Industry heavyweights such as HP, Novell, Sun, Red Hat Dell are members.
MySQL CEO Marten Mickos, who is also a strong supporter of the nosoftwarepatents.org effort in Europe where MySQL is based (Sweden), is known for unconventional strategic moves. For example, the open source company recently struck a development deal with open source arch-nemesis SCO Group, which is suing companies over Linux copyright claims.
The SCO deal will see MySQL developing a commercial version of MySQL for use on the SCO OpenServer 6 UNIX OS.
MySQL 5 is available for multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, Solaris, Mac OS X, FreeBSD,OpenBSD HP-UX and IBM AIX 5L. MySQL is dual-licensed, which means it is offered with both both an open source
