MUMBAI: "India has traditionally developed software for other countries. Right now we see an increasing trend of developing software for the internal market. It is a strategic market for us," MySQL spokesperson Gerardo Narvaja told IANS here. Databases are collections of data stored on computers that can easily be used or added to. It has particular relevance in the commercial world and also for e-governance projects. While proprietorial software giant Microsoft allows only those who pay to legally use its software, Swedish-launched MySQL AB has made a name for itself by adopting the free software model using a dual licensing approach. It encourages those wanting to buy its database software to do so, but also liberally doles out free copies to those not willing to pay for licences and support. MySQL is supported on a range of platforms -- ranging from GNU/Linux to Windows, Novell, Solaris, MacOS X and others. Said Narvaja: "India still is to build up a communication infrastructure and needs (decentralised) databases. For 5,000 servers across the country, no matter how much Microsoft or Oracle drop prices, it's still going to cost a huge packet." MySQL, he argued, would be much more affordable because of less licensing costs and for the lack of the need to install sophisticated hardware to run it. Besides, he said, there is lower cost of maintenance. The term "free" in free software refers to the freedom rather than the price. Entire computer operating systems with a range of accompanied tools are put out this way. It does not have to be zero-price in value, but as it can be freely used, studied, redistributed and improved, its prices are usually well within reach, say its proponents. Narvaja said Hyderabad-based Votive Software had been appointed MySQL's partner in India. The firm had experience in e-governance projects and was involved with a project on this front for the Andaman islands, he added. MySQL claims a total of some four million databases installed worldwide, of which some 4,000 belong to paying customers. "This helps us to stay committed to free software while building a profitable business. We don't need to charge even a dollar or two from each of our four million users. We can live (profitably) this way," he said. The virtual firm has techies work from home from 15 countries and plans to take on Indian skills shortly. "We hire talent where we find it. It's not that India lacks the talent, but the communication infrastructure (to allow for virtual work over continents) is still being built," said Narvaja, who made a brief stopover here. "(For MySQL), India represents a bigger economic opportunity than Brazil at this point," the spokesperson said.
Source: IANS