The Open Source Licenses of Popular DBMSs

Abstract

Database Management Systems have been a critical part of digital infrastructure for decades. They are a necessary tool to efficiently work with large amounts of data. Through the years, as the way data is used has changed, so has the DBMSs. Today, there are hundreds to choose from, each with pros and cons, support for different data models. As they are just pieces of software, some are use commercial licenses, while others use Open Source licenses. On DB-Engines.com, there is a ranking of the most popular DBMSs, based on certain criteria. 18 of these were chosen, and had their licenses analyzed. Out of the 18, 12 were licensed as Open Source. Breaking the Open Source DBMSs down further, 8 used permissive licenses, 2 used copyleft licenses, and 2 used licenses which are actually disputed. The Open Source Initiative have criticized the two new licenses, called the Server Side Public License and the Elastic License. These were created as a response to the growth of the Software as a Service-industry, and claims to combat the theft Open Source software. The response to these licenses have been fairly negative, despite their claims of openness. How they will affect the DBMS landscape, and Open Source software in general, remains to be seen.