If I am running a webhosting business and one of the features that I offer to my clients is MySQL database.

Do I need to buy MySQL comercial license ?

Thanks

i'm pretty sure not, the commercial license is if you want to use mysql in software application (ie, distribute the software with the mysql database in the program itself...)

I know that, but they are saying that you can use it if you are 100% GPL. But if you are a comercial company person or whats so ever you need to buy license.
That is what I understood from their site.

That's not correct. It is licenced under the GPL and ANYBODY can use it providing you abide by the GPL.

so I don't have to buy MySQL license ?

so I don't have to buy MySQL license ?


Yes, you don't need to buy any licence as long as you are using mySQL for Linux, Unix ...etc. But if you are planning to use mySQL for Windows, it comes on Shareware licence and then you have to purchase the licence.

More you can find at http://www.mysql.com/

Thanks.

Shikha

You do NOT have to buy a license.

This is fairly clear (from the mysql site):

1. FREE USE FOR THOSE WHO ARE 100% GPL

If your application is licensed under GPL or compatible OSI license approved by MySQL AB, you are free and welcome to ship any GPL software of MySQL AB with your application. By "application" we mean any type of software application, system, tool or utility. For doing this, you do not need a separate signed agreement with MySQL AB, because the GPL text is sufficient. But we do recommend you to be in touch with us as there usually are good opportunities for partnership and co-marketing.

2. FREE USE FOR THOSE WHO NEVER COPY, MODIFY OR DISTRIBUTE

As long as you never distribute (internally or externally) the MySQL Software in any way, you are free to use it for powering your application, irrespective of whether your application is under GPL or other OSI approved license or not.

More specifically.

Modifying - You are allowed to modify MySQL Software source code any way you like. If you distribute the modified version, all changes, all interface code and all code that connects directly or indirectly to the interface code fall under GPL.

Copying - You are allowed to copy MySQL binaries and source code, but when you do so, the copies will fall under the GPL license.

3. COMMERCIAL USE FOR EVERYONE ELSE

If your application is NOT licensed under GPL or compatible OSI license approved by MySQL AB and you intend to distribute MySQL software (be that internally or externally), you must first obtain a commercial license to the MySQL software in question.

More specifically:

a) If you include the MySQL server in your non Open Source application, you need a commercial licence for the MySQL server

b) If you include one of the MySQL drivers in your non Open Source application (so that your application can run with MySQL), you need a commercial licence for the driver(s) in question. The MySQL drivers currently include an ODBC driver, a JDBC driver and the C language library.

c) If you use MySQL Software within your organisation and you don't want to risk it falling under the GPL license, you are welcome to purchase a commercial license.

d) Many users opt for the commercial licence simply because under it MySQL AB takes responsibility for its products. Under the GPL licence, there are no warranties or representations from the developer (i.e. from MySQL AB).