Quoting Andy Sy ([EMAIL PROTECTED]):

> MySQL's license has strings attached, you can't use it for free
> if you don't want to release your source.

..._and_ you distribute binaries, _and_ you actually link to the MySQL 
codebase as opposed to merely using it, _and_ you haven't haven't
negotiated a licence exception from the copyright owners.

If you're going to characterise licence provisions, please take the time
to be accurate.

> Postgres has a BSD style license I believe, so there's no requirement
> to release your sources if you incorporate it in your own apps.

It has a two-clause BSD licence, which means you can create _and_
distribute proprietary forks, and the only things you're not allowed to
do are sue the copyright holders or assert warranty rights.

> License-wise, Firebird uses a Mozilla style license which
> as I understand it means that you only have to release
> source on those parts you modify which have to do directly 
> with Firebird.

Again, you are in error on the "release sources" concept.  Copyleft
licences such as GPL and MPL trigger obligation of source code access
only if you distribute binaries.  (In the case of MPL, licence
provisions apply separately to individual code modules.)  

The point, particularly in relation to databases, is that many
deployments involve remote usage of the code, without distribution of
it.  Hence, no obligation of source access, even under copyleft
licences.

-- 
Cheers,             Paranoia is the delusion that your enemies are organised.
Rick Moen
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