Commercial License for OEMs, ISVs and VARs

Updated July, 2010

MySQL Commercial License for OEMs, ISVs and VARs

Oracle provides its MySQL database server and MySQL Client Libraries under a dual license model designed to meet the development and distribution needs of both commercial distributors (such as OEMs, ISVs and VARs) and open source projects.

For OEMs, ISVs, VARs and Other Distributors of Commercial Applications:

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), ISVs (Independent Software Vendors), VARs (Value Added Resellers) and other distributors that combine and distribute commercially licensed software with MySQL software and do not wish to distribute the source code for the commercially licensed software under version 2 of the GNU General Public License (the "GPL") must enter into a commercial license agreement with Oracle.

For Open Source Projects and Other Developers of Open Source Applications:

For developers of Free Open Source Software ("FOSS") applications under the GPL that want to combine and distribute those FOSS applications with MySQL software, Oracle’s MySQL open source software licensed under the GPL is the best option.

For developers and distributors of open source software under a FOSS license other than the GPL, Oracle makes its GPL-licensed MySQL Client Libraries available under a FOSS Exception that enables use of the those MySQL Client Libraries under certain conditions without causing the entire derivative work to be subject to the GPL.

FAQ

• Q1: As a commercial OEM, ISV or VAR, I have basic questions about the GPL. Where can I find more information?
• Q2: As a commercial OEM, ISV or VAR, I have questions about how to comply with the terms of the GPL. Where can I find more information?
• Q3: As a commercial OEM, ISV or VAR, when should I purchase a commercial license for MySQL software?
• Q4: What is Oracle's dual license model for MySQL software?
• Q5: What open source licensing options does Oracle offer for its MySQL software?
• Q6: What is Oracle's commercial license for MySQL software?
• Q7: If I have more questions, who should I contact?

Q1: As a commercial OEM, ISV or VAR, I have basic questions about the GPL. Where can I find more information?

A: Go to the Free Software Foundation’s website to read the GPL. The Free Software Foundation also provides a detailed FAQ on the GPL.

Q2: As a commercial OEM, ISV or VAR, I have questions about how to comply with the terms of the GPL. Where can I find more information?

A: Reading the GPL itself is the best place to start. Go to the Free Software Foundation's website to read the GPL. The Software Freedom Law Center has also created "A Practical Guide to GPL Compliance" with its explanation of the GPL's requirements.

Q3: As a commercial OEM, ISV or VAR, when should I purchase a commercial license for MySQL software?

A: OEMs, ISVs and VARs that want the benefits of embedding commercial binaries of MySQL software in their commercial applications but do not want to be subject to the GPL and do not want to release the source code for their proprietary applications should purchase a commercial license from Oracle. Purchasing a commercial license means that the GPL does not apply, and a commercial license includes the assurances that distributors typically find in commercial distribution agreements.

To learn more about the benefits of embedding MySQL software under a commercial license, see:

• Top Reasons for ISV Product Managers
• Top Reasons for ISV VP Engineering
• ISV Customers and Case Studies

Q4: What is Oracle’s dual license model for MySQL software?

A: Oracle makes its MySQL database server and MySQL Client Libraries available under both the GPL and a commercial license. As a result, developers who use or distribute open source applications under the GPL can use the GPL-licensed MySQL software, and OEMs, ISVs and VARs that do not want to combine or distribute the MySQL software with their own commercial software under a GPL license can purchase a commercial license.

Q5: What open source licensing options does Oracle offer for its MySQL software?

A: Oracle makes its MySQL database server and MySQL Client Libraries available under the GPL for use with other GPL-licensed software and FOSS applications licensed under GPL-compatible FOSS licenses.

In addition, for open source projects and developers creating and distributing open source software under certain FOSS licenses other than the GPL, Oracle makes its GPL-licensed MySQL Client Libraries available under a FOSS Exception that allows distribution of the FOSS application with the MySQL Client Libraries without causing the entire derivative work to be subject to the GPL.

Q6: What is Oracle's commercial license for MySQL software?

A: Oracle offers a commercial license for all of its MySQL software that is embedded in or bundled with another application. The commercial license allows OEMs, ISVs and VARs to distribute commercial binaries of MySQL software with their own commercial software without subjecting that software to the GPL and its requirement to distribute source code.

Q7: If I have more questions, whom should I contact?

A: For more information, please contact the MySQL OEM sales team.