MySQL clues in clustering technology

Open source database developer MySQL has unveiled its clustering technology for applications requiring continuous availability.

The company said that MySQL Cluster combines the MySQL database with a clustering architecture to deliver 99.999 per cent availability for database applications.

MySQL Cluster will be available in the autumn under a 'dual licence' business model, provided at no cost under the open source GNU General Public Licence for open source projects. It will also be available under a commercial licence for software vendors and other commercial MySQL customers.

The technology runs across a variety of hardware and software platforms, including Linux, Microsoft Windows, Sun Solaris, and Mac OS X.

Clustered databases benefit from no single point of failure, fast failover in the event of failure, and scalability.

Mårten Mickos, chief executive of MySQL AB, said in a statement: "MySQL Cluster has the availability, scalability and throughput for the most demanding applications, and its affordability makes clustering an option for any organisation.

"This product demonstrates our commitment to make superior database management available and affordable to all."