MySQL: Embedded Database for ISVs

Embedded relational database management systems (RDBMS’s) are databases that ISV’s (Independent Software Vendors) and OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) bundle with their software products. These embedded databases are normally “invisible” to the end user of the software with standard database management functions being automatically handled either by the database itself or through an application interface exposed through the ISV’s own software.

The technology-centric analyst group IDC forecasts a growing dependence on embedded databases. Reasons cited for this trend include an increasing emphasis on self-contained packaged applications, the need of small businesses for robust but lower-priced data-driven systems, and a shortage of complex database technical expertise in the overall market. The Forrester Group, another IT analyst group, has found that open source databases are quickly becoming a leading force in the embedded application market, being found at all levels of applications – from large network embedded systems to very small appliances.

The MySQL server, the world’s most popular open source database, has been named a leader in the overall and embedded database management market by Forrester and other analyst groups. The reasons for this include the benefits that the open source paradigm brings to OEM’s and ISV’s, numerous technical advantages of the MySQL database, strong ease-of use, complete technical support, a dual-licensing model, and a very low total cost of ownership.

This paper explores these benefits in detail and showcases why MySQL is the ideal choice for OEM’s and ISV’s when it comes to selecting an embedded database for their application.

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