MySQL AB and Pearson Education Launch MySQL Press

MySQL Press is Exclusive Publisher of MySQL-Authorized Books

MySQL AB, developer of the world's most popular open source database, and Pearson Education, a division of Pearson plc (NYSE: PSO), today announced the launch of MySQL Press, the exclusive publisher of MySQL AB-authorized technology information books and materials.

MySQL Press, a collaboration between MySQL and Pearson Education, publishes and globally distributes books about the MySQL® database and related technologies. MySQL Press books have been extensively reviewed by MySQL AB, the company that develops and markets the MySQL database.

Leading technology companies, including Cisco Systems, IBM, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Novell, have chosen Pearson Education as their publishing partner.

The open source MySQL database is one of the most widely used relational database management systems (RDBMS), with a global installed base of over 4 million. Known for its high performance, reliability and low cost, MySQL powers some of the largest Web sites and businesses in the world.

The MySQL Press series is designed to comprise the most authoritative informational publications on the MySQL database and related technologies. Leading technologists from MySQL AB and other industry innovators write and contribute to MySQL Press titles.

The first book offered by MySQL Press, MySQL Tutorial, by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson, is currently available. MySQL Tutorial is aimed at giving MySQL users an easy way of learning the important MySQL features and helping them with the tasks facing them in their daily lives.

The next three MySQL Press books — MySQL Certification Study Guide, MySQL Administrator's Guide and MySQL Language Reference — are expected to be available in Spring 2004.

MySQL Certification Study Guide, by best-selling MySQL authors Paul DuBois and Stefan Hinz and Carsten Pedersen, Certification Manager at MySQL AB, will help MySQL users study for the MySQL Core and Professional certification exams.

MySQL AB has collaborated with Pearson VUE, the global computer-based testing service, to provide the MySQL Certification Program, through which MySQL software developers can earn one or more formal credentials that validate their knowledge, experience and skill with the MySQL database and related MySQL AB products.

MySQL Administrator Guide includes the core content of the existing MySQL Reference Manual in a new edition based on the MySQL database version 5.0. Written by the MySQL development and documentation teams and edited by Paul DuBois, it focuses on documenting tasks relevant to database administrators using MySQL.

MySQL Language Reference, written by the same team behind the Administrator's Guide, includes the syntax reference content of the existing MySQL Reference Manual in a new edition based on MySQL version 5.0. It is designed for database administrators and programmers who need a detailed reference to the MySQL language and all available application programming interfaces (APIs).

“The MySQL database technology leadership has captured mind share of software developers, end users and technology enthusiasts throughout the world,” said Paul Boger, vice president and publisher, Pearson Technology Group. “MySQL's powerful market presence will help Pearson develop new channels and reach a broader audience, including the rapidly expanding MySQL and open source communities.”

“Pearson Education is the world's largest publisher of computer-related books, with the international distribution channels and marketing muscle to deliver MySQL Press books to virtually every corner of the globe,” said Kaj Arnö, vice president, Professional Services and Documentation, at MySQL AB. “There are already hundreds of excellent books in print about MySQL, a clear indication of the demand for MySQL titles. MySQL Press will add to this active market a series of select publications delivered in multiple languages, with a guarantee that they contain the highest-quality, first-hand information about MySQL.”

For more information about MySQL Press, please go to the MySQL AB Web site at www.mysqlpress.com.

About MySQL

MySQL AB develops and markets a family of high performance, affordable database servers and tools.  The company's flagship product is MySQL, the world's most popular open source database, with more than 4 million active installations.  Many of the world's largest organizations, including Yahoo!, Sabre Holdings, Cox Communications, The Associated Press and NASA, are realizing significant cost savings by using MySQL to power Web sites, business-critical enterprise applications and packaged software. MySQL AB is a second generation open source company, with dual licensing that supports open source values and methodology in a profitable, sustainable business. For more information about MySQL, please go to www.mysql.com.

About Pearson Education

Educating 100 million people worldwide, Pearson Education is the global leader in integrated educational publishing. Pearson Education provides quality professional development, content, assessment tools and educational services in all available media to a worldwide marketplace, spanning the learning continuum from birth through college and beyond.

Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company, whose primary operations also include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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