[ale] MySql scare tactics?

[John Wells]

Here's an interesting reply from MySql.com sales.  I frankly don't see how
using it on multiple internal servers constitutes a violation of the GPL. 
Anyone?


Hi Jb,

Thank you for your interest in MySQL.  My answers below.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mysql at sourceillustrated.com
> [mailto:mysql at sourceillustrated.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 7:50 AM
> To: licensing at mysql.com
> Subject: MySQL Licensing Question, US, -unknown-
>
>
> The following form was submitted via MySQL.com feedback engine:
>
>   Name: JB Wells
>
>   Email address: mysql at sourceillustrated.com
>
>   Type of interest: for company use
>
>   Country: US
>
>   Support contract: no
>
>   Enter Your Questions, Comments, Feedback or Your Message here:
>
>     I'm a little confused on the meaning of "distributing either
>     externally or internally" on the license page.  If we develop an
>     application that uses MySql as the backend database and
> use in on our
>     internal LAN, do we need to license it commmercially?

Internal distribution applies to internally distributing/installing more
than one application.  If you plan to use one installation of MySQL it
would not be considered distribution and you could use if for free with
your "internally built application."

> How would this
>     be in violation of the GPL?

If your application (internal or external) is licensed under the terms
of the GPL, you are allowed to distribute MySQL, also under the GPL, for
free.

What do you mean, exactly,
> by internal
>     distribution?
>
>     Also, if we write an application that expects MySql (like
> a web app),
>     but we don't package the database with the application
> and tell the
>     customer that they must download and install it, is this
> violation of
>     the GPL?

Again, if your application is licensed under the terms of the GPL you
can use MySQL for free.  If your application is not licensed under the
terms of the GPL, commercial non-GPL licenses are necessary.  You will
need to purchase licenses under this scenario (unless you go GPL),
please review our licensing examples,
http://www.mysql.com/products/licensing-examples.html.

How are you planning to use MySQL?

Mr. Matt Fredrickson,
Sales Executive
MySQL, Inc. - www.mysql.com
Office: +1 425 390 0154
Fax: +1 425 663 2001

MySQL Featured in the Wall Street Journal:
http://webreprints.djreprints.com/785490482991.html