There’s been talk going on of the MySQL licensing in regards to the release of PHP 5. Since PHP uses the BSD license, it’s not compatible with MySQL, which uses GPL. Thus, MySQL cannot be included as part of PHP.
The MySQL licensing model is:
1. Free use for those who are 100% GPL
2. Free use for those who never copy, modify or distribute
3. Commercial use for everyone else
Not sure what number 2 means. Does my company have to get a commercial license to run our internet site on top of MySQL? We don’t copy MySQL or modify it’s code or distribute it. What about a web hosting provider (or any service provider)? Do they have to get a commercial license of MySQL?
Links:
MySQL Licensing
Marco Tabini
Jeremy Zawodny
Sterling Hughes