What is MySQL's software licensing model?
MySQL uses a "dual licensing" business model. Under this model, users may choose to use MySQL products under the free software/open source GNU General Public License (commonly known as the "GPL") or under a commercial license.
With the GPL license, MySQL is available free of charge, as long as the use of MySQL adheres to the terms of GPL license. Users may download the software for free and modify, integrate and distribute it. However, GPL users must abide by the rules of the GPL, which stipulate that if a MySQL-based application is redistributed, the complete source code for this application must also be open and available for redistribution.
MySQL AB offers a commercial license for organizations that do not want to release the source code for their application. Commercial license customers get a commercially supported product with a level of assurance from MySQL AB, without the requirement that their MySQL-based software must be "open sourced". MySQL is able to provide a commercial license because it has full ownership of the MySQL code.
MySQL's dual licensing increases freedom in two ways: first, it encourages the growth of free software by licensing MySQL under the GPL; second, it makes it possible to use our software in situations where the GPL is not applicable.
Why does MySQL offer two licenses?
MySQL's dual license model supports the company's mission: to make superior database software available and affordable to all.
The dual licensing creates a circle that sustains both innovation and growth: MySQL channels the revenue from this viable open source business model back into support for its open source user community that, in turn, supports MySQL AB's commercial business.
Today, MySQL AB has over 4 thousand paying customers who have chosen the commercial license and over 4 million who have chosen the open source GPL license. The dual licensing business model is a "win-win" for all parties:
MySQL's open source community gets superior software for no cost;
MySQL's commercial customers have the option of using reliable, community "battle tested" MySQL software for a relatively low cost;
MySQL's business is healthy and viable, which also strengthens the open source movement.
http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/faq.html
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