This obviously casts some doubt on MySQL’s future, so I’d like to point out some MySQL fork projects. Several ex-MySQL developers have been busy and there’s already some promising alternatives to the original.
MariaDB: This community driven project is named after a new database engine. The original MyISAM developers are working on an engine that is suitable both for transactional and non-transactional uses. This is no doubt intended to help them steer clear of Oracle’s claims on InnoDB technology.
Drizzle: Reversing a long trend of MySQL working to be a more credible enterprise solution, this project is focused on making a lighter database. Their first milestone has focused on cleaning up the code and cutting the fat.
OurDelta: Also driven by ex-MySQL gurus, this fork appears to be the most mainstream and looks like it will pick up where MySQL left off.