MySQL Serves Up Database Support, IP Indemnification for All

MySQL AB, maker of the worlds most popular open-source database, is offering platinum-level, round-the-clock support—formerly available only for large-scale deployments—for sites of any size, be they one or 1,000 servers.

The Uppsala, Sweden, company plans to announce the new offering at LinuxWorld in Boston on Tuesday. The multitiered support offering, part of a bundling called MySQL Network, also throws in warranties and intellectual-property indemnification, a knowledge base, and automated updates and alerts, all aimed to give enterprises the hand-holding they crave when contemplating the open-source route.

MySQL CEO Marten Mickos said the MySQL Network bundle is the companys way of addressing potential customers fears around support. "This has been the interesting paradox: Our support customers are very happy," he said. "They love the support we have. But when you ask the market, theyll always say that support is the biggest question that relates to open source. Thats why we said, … Lets offer support to everyone and show them what we can do."

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In concert with the rollout of MySQL Network, MySQL will announce a new certified partner program to ensure that MySQL seamlessly works with leading software and hardware. To date, over 25 companies have certified their products for MySQL Network, including Hewlett-Packard Co., Novell Inc., Sun Microsystems Inc. and Red Hat Inc.

MySQL Network is available as an annual subscription at four levels: Basic, Gold, Silver and Platinum. On the high end, organizations receive unlimited 24-by-7 telephone and Web support from MySQLs support engineering team. MySQL has doubled the support teams size to 25 in the last year, according to Mickos. At the Platinum level, emergency response times are guaranteed to be less than 30 minutes for the most severe issues.

Indemnification for all is another new offering, formerly granted on a case-by-case basis. MySQL is the owner and developer of its code base, which is available under MySQLs dual licensing model.

As for the MySQL Knoweldge Base, Mickos said that it contains 230 articles, including performance tips, troubleshooting, and best practices and techniques to make the most of MySQL installations.

The new Update Advisor is an automated message system that alerts customers to new and relevant MySQL software for their particular environments. Alerts are available via e-mail, pager or SMS messages, or they can be viewed online.

Next Page: MySQL deals proactively with security in wake of MySpooler.