Sun to begin developing features only for Enterprise server. While I’m glad Sun will continue development of MySQL, there are many things other than not having access to these advanced features. Mainly the splintering of development, the idea of paying for less-tested software, and whether it’s a trend.
This feels like the beginning of the end for MySQL. If Sun charges for an inferior product, why would any company continue to use MySQL? There are plenty of other databases you can pay for and have been tested extensively.
MySQL fills a unique space as robust an open source database. When it gets transitioned over to a licensed database like MSQL and Oracle—and it becomes an Apples to Apples comparison—it looses its luster and starts looking more and more like a lemon.