MySQL Open Source Database – The Advantages and Disadvantages

Open source software is computer software for which the human-readable source code is made available under a copyright licence (or an arrangement such as in the public domain) that meets the open source definition. This permits users to change and improve the software, and to redistribute it in a modified or unmodified form. It is most often developed in a public, collaborative manner (http://en.wikipedia.org). One example of a company that produces open source software is MySQL. This is the world’s most popular open source database software, with over 100 million copies of its software downloaded or distributed throughout history (http://www.mysql.com). However, this software is in competition with closed source software produced by companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Oracle (Case Study). Therefore, it is important to look at the advantages and disadvantages of using open source software in a business to determine whether its use should be adopted.

One of the advantages of using open source software that may appeal to those starting up a business, where cost can be a major factor, is the fact that the core software is free (http://tamingthebeast.net). Companies that have used such an approach are Google, Yahoo and Sabre Holding’s Travelocity (Case Study). In using this approach companies have a lower cost advantage and therefore can utilize their cash in other aspects of the business.
Further, the above companies also took advantage of the ability to modify parts of the underlying software to differentiate themselves in their own markets (Case Study). For those who understand this process, it is a very low cost way of improving and expanding the business which can be seen from the prime example of Google which is becoming ever more dominant. Additionally on this point, the fact that the source code is available in the public domain means that a business owner can take a more hands on approach to the software used on site (http://tamingthebeast.net). If the owner understands a little of the ‘voodoo’ that goes behind the scenes, it may help when trying to solve problems.
Another benefit of using open source software in business is that many employees can work from home. This point is demonstrated in MySQL where seventy percent of their staff work from home (Case Study). As the source code is available in the public domain, programmers can work anywhere in the world on a project over the internet. This not only allows freedom for employees but, saves on office costs further reducing the outgoing costs to a business.
Additionally, a gain in business in using open source software is the support that can be offered. In the case of MySQL, they introduced a network support offer for end users. Although a subscription was required it provided updates, alerts, notifications, knowledge base and production level support (Case Study). A key aspect in this is that those offering the support may be known as ‘ugrammers’. These are programmers who are also users of the software they develop. This has high advantages as the programmer-user communication gap is eliminated which can often result in better specifications in the software (http://en.wikipedia.org).

However, there are disadvantages for a business in adopting open source software. One of these disadvantages relates to the fact that companies such as MySQL are in competition with closed software producers (Case Study), the largest of these being Microsoft. And as open source software tends to be created by people who do not want to work with Microsoft, the products that they do create tend to integrate poorly with windows and therefore their users can not take full advantage of the ‘Windows Environment’ (http://www.gismonitor.com).

Another drawback in using open source software is that it can often rely on further technology provided by another party (Case Study). In looking at MySQL, this was a problem when Oracle – a closed source software supplier – bought over Innobase, which exclusively provided a key input component – a transactional engine – for MySQL. This could have caused serious harm to one of MySQL’s major customers, Travelocity. This point will affect users in different ways; it will depend upon how much the business relies on certain software and how often it is used as to whether this would affect the business.

An additional weakness related to support, as discussed above, is that without some kind of support network, for example the subscription service provided by MySQL, no-one is responsible for resolving problems. Therefore, there is no incentive or guarantee that it will be fixed (http://en.wikipedia.org). This is a major problem in business as if the problem does go unanswered, the business will need to pay some one to fix it. If this is the case, it may have been cheaper to buy a mature and developed closed application (http://en.wikipedia.org).

A further problem to note in business is that in this market – databases, there is fierce competition to improve companies with many being pushed out the market or being bought over (Case Study). This could be a problem in choosing either open or closed source software. Therefore, it may be beneficial to look at the proposed software and the competitors around the company that produce it. As if it goes out of business, there will be no opportunity to receive a support service.

In summary, I feel that there are many advantages and disadvantages in the use of open source software. However, I do not feel that I can come to one overall conclusion recommending whether or not to use it in business. I believe that it depends on the nature of your business on whether it would be effective. It can be seen that its’ innovative side has highly benefited Google, Yahoo and Travelocity however; they have the expertise to run it. If you, as a business, have the expertise to use the underlying technology I would advise its use as it is innovative and modern however, if not I feel that it depends on the strategy and the cost implications to the business.


REFERENCES

MySQL Open Source Database in 2006 (B), Case Study, Stanford Graduate School of Business

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software

http://tamingthebeast.net/articles5/open-source-software.htm

http://www.gismonitor.com/articles5/comment/061903_Dmitri.php

http://www.mysql.com/company/