Hi Steve, > In light of the licensing restrictions on using MySql in a commercial > package, why would MySql be prefered over Firebird or SQL Server 2005 > express edition. Both appear to be no charge to redistribute compared to the > $250 for MySql. > > http://firebird.sourceforge.net/ > > http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/express/sql/default.aspx
Well, IMO, Firebird is much easier to use than SQL Express - less locking issues, much more platforms ... Then again, I know Firebird pretty much inside out. Firebird also has Triggers and Stored Procedures, Check Constraints and Views, all of which don't exist in MySQL. (don't start about MySQL 5 - that's a no-go area) >Mysql is easier to install than Firebird I have to disagree there, coming from a Win32 world. MySQL, on the other hand, has much more security related features (hosts etc that can be banned/granted). Security in Firebird should have some significant changes in v2 though. Firebird, as an open source project, is also relatively new. Many things, like a clear roadmap etc are still to be created. The Firebird Foundation is doing pretty well in collecting funds and has recently entered its second year. >MSDE has volume and concurrency limitations that are imposed by MS, >compared to MySQL (IIRC, 25 concurrent users, and 2GB per database). It >also is only available on the Windows platform. SQLExpress is not MSDE, it looks like it though. SQLExpress has a 4Gb limit/database and I don't recall a user limit, but a concurrent-load limit of 5. That is, many can connect, but only 5 concurrent batches (select/insert/script) can be ran at the same time. This is controlled by the server, so no need to code around it or something like that... >FirebirdSQL is an excellent project, but as far as I know there is not a >single organization that stands behind it providing support, training, >etc. as MySQL AB does with the MySQL product line. Right, this is true. Firebird (the project) isn't owned by anyone except the Firebird Admin group. It's direction is closely monitored by the Firebird Foundation - the two groups cooperate together with regards to funds, direction and PR. btw, Mark, Firebird is called Firebird, not FirebirdSQL. As somesaid earlier, IBPhoenix can deliver top-notch training as some of the long-time InterBase people started that company. >You are also much more likely to find people and third-party products >that know, understand and work with MySQL than those that can work with >FirebirdSQL out there in the marketplace. Well, of course, but MySQL has been around much much longer than Firebird. However, Firebird is on the rise, and many InterBase (it's parent) products and third-party-product companies now provide tools for Firebird as well (ourselves included). With regards, Martijn Tonies Database Workbench - developer tool for InterBase, Firebird, MySQL & MS SQL Server. Upscene Productions http://www.upscene.com -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
