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MySQL Uses Microsoft's Open Source Software

Posted by timothy on from the interesting-territory dept.

EqualSlash writes "The Windows installer for the upcoming MySQL 4.1 release will be built using Microsoft's first ever open source project - Windows Installer XML toolset(Wix). According to an InternetNews report, they are using Wix to convert the MSI file designed using InstallShield into XML to achieve greater control over the installer. Of course, they are simply using it because it's Open Source (CPL license) and in good faith. Earlier this year, when Microsoft surprised everybody by releasing the Wix project under an open source license, some were cautious about using it, as the specific XML schema it uses might be patented just like the Office xml schema. Whatever.. Rob Mensching, Wix's lead developer, is very happy about MySQL choosing to use Wix for their installer."

5 of 117 comments (clear)

  1. Good news, I guess by __aavhli5779 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Wait, so what you're implying is...

    Someone open-sourcing something causes more people to use it?!?!?

    If it weren't for the fact that this is MS's open source creation being used, this would not be news.

    In any case, kudos to MySQL for taking the first step with Wix and to Microsoft for trying something they have otherwise sworn against.

    Hopefully more people will use Wix, and most importantly, will modify it and contribute changes. That would be a nice way of showing MS just what open source can offer, something which everyone else seems to have figured out already.

  2. As long as it's such an unessential.. by Karamchand · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ..components as the Windows installer I don't mind; no, actually I am happy that even MS can contribute a bit to the open source world.

    Simply because the whole MySQL project can't be taken down by MS even though they're using Wix. It's not important enough for the project's life, that's it!

  3. Great news by rnd() · · Score: 5, Insightful

    By opening up the source and making it possible for OSS developers to use a high quality installer, Microsoft has shown that it realizes the importance of Open Source software to its user base.

    --

    Amazing magic tricks

  4. Re:I'd rather they not use it by Zakabog · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Why would you rather they don't use it? So Microsoft thinks open source is a failure and never again makes an open source project?

  5. Re:I'd rather they not use it by lintux · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What's the problem with using an installer written by Microsoft if someone is already writing the software for the Microsoft Windows platform anyway? Doesn't make a big difference, if you ask me...