MySQL AB Strengthens Support for Open Source Community with MySQL Forge and MySQL for Ubuntu; Company Launches New Site for Collaborative Open Source Development; Announces Support for the Popular Ubuntu Distribution.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- MySQL AB, developer of the world's most popular open source database, today introduced MySQL Forge, a new Web site and community directory designed to encourage and support active MySQL-related open source development. Located at http://forge.mysql.com, MySQL Forge is a central online resource for all MySQL users and developers to communicate, collaborate and share MySQL code and applications.

MySQL also announced new support for Ubuntu, a version of the Linux operating system that is gaining popularity among open source developers. In a keynote address today at the MySQL Users Conference 2006, Mark Shuttleworth, the founder of the Ubuntu project, outlined the new partnership and technology collaboration between Ubuntu and MySQL.

Shuttleworth said, "Both MySQL and Ubuntu benefit from extensive open source community development and usage. The new partnership and technology support between MySQL and Ubuntu will make it much easier for our joint communities and customers to build and use everything from Web 2.0 applications to large, business-critical software, on the Ubuntu-MySQL platform."

MySQL Forge: Hub for MySQL Community Development

The new MySQL Forge Web site has been created as a focal point for all MySQL-related community contributions and communication. Community members can contribute to MySQL Forge by adding articles and tutorials to the MySQL Forge Wiki, posting and maintaining projects in the Project Directory, and by providing sample code snippets in the Snippet Repository. MySQL Forge members can now easily locate MySQL-related projects, share their software code and connect with other developers and users in the broader MySQL open source community.

"The foundation of the open source development model is the rapid creation and sharing of different solutions within an open, collaborative environment," said Kaj Arno, MySQL AB's vice president of Community Relations. "Built for the community and grown by the community, we anticipate that MySQL Forge will become a significant resource for MySQL-related development, providing value to developers and building a stronger network between developers and users."

Ubuntu: Now Supported by MySQL

Ubuntu is the fastest-growing Linux distribution and has been widely adopted within the open source development community. Based on Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu uses only free software to provide a modern, yet stable operating system for the average user. Starting June 1, MySQL binaries and source code for Ubuntu will be available for download directly from the MySQL Developer Zone at http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/ and bundled with Ubuntu.

DotOrg Pavilion Showcases MySQL Open Source Projects

A wide range of MySQL-related open source projects have been showcased in the DotOrg Pavilion at the MySQL Users Conference 2006 this week. Attendees have been able to meet some of the world's most recognized free software organizations and learn more about the many open source projects that compose the larger FOSS (free and open source software) ecosystem, such as the Apache Geronimo project and the Eclipse Foundation. A complete listing of the MySQL DotOrg projects is available at http://www.mysqluc.com/pub/w/45/dotorg.html.

MySQL Awards Outstanding Community Contributions

MySQL recognized several members of the MySQL open source community at the conference's opening keynote presentation on Tuesday. The following awards were presented for exceptional contributions in various areas of the MySQL community:

--MySQL Community Contributor of the Year: Giuseppe Maxia;

--Community Forum Leader of the Year: Roland Bouman;

--Community Writer of the Year: Markus Popp;

--Long-term Contributor to the MySQL Community: Rasmus Lerdorf.

About Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system consisting entirely of free and open source software for laptops, desktops, and servers. Ubuntu is community developed, commercially supported, and offers free security updates, with regular releases every six months. The upcoming Version 6.06 LTS release will be supported for 3 years on the desktop and 5 years on the server. Ubuntu is sponsored by Canonical Ltd, the leading global provider of free Linux software with full commercial support. The company employs developers and support engineers across 15 countries and is headquartered in the Isle of Man. For more information, please check www.ubuntu.com.

About MySQL

MySQL AB develops and supports a family of high performance, affordable database products -- including MySQL Network, a comprehensive set of certified software and premium support services. The company's flagship product is the MySQL Server, the world's most popular open source database, with more than 10 million active installations. Many of the world's largest organizations, including Yahoo!, Alcatel, The Associated Press, Suzuki and NASA are realizing significant cost savings by using MySQL to power high-volume Web sites, business-critical enterprise applications and packaged software.

With headquarters in Sweden and the United States -- and operations around the world -- MySQL AB supports both open source values and corporate customers' needs in a profitable, sustainable business. For more information about MySQL, please visit www.mysql.com.

MySQL is a registered trademark of MySQL AB in the USA and other countries. Other products mentioned may be trademarks of their respective companies.