The Sage Group Announces Global Partnership with MySQL AB

come from: http://www.mysql.com/news-and-events/news/article_1174.html

LONDON - The Sage Group plc has signed a global
agreement with MySQL AB which enables Sage to embed MySQL database
technology into its world-wide product portfolio.

Sage intends to introduce MySQL into its small business range over the
coming months as part of ongoing product development and upgrade activity.
The MySQL database has become the world's most popular open source database
because of its high performance and reliability, combined with a low
footprint and ease of use. The introduction of MySQL will be led by the
regional operating companies that make up The Sage Group as they
progressively deploy the technology in their product ranges.

Chief Technology Officer of The Sage Group plc, Klaus-Michael Vogelberg
explains:

"Having made the decision to further improve the database technology that
underpins our products, we chose MySQL as it proved to be the most powerful
and versatile solution available. MySQL embraces an open source methodology
which injects rigour and agility into the development process. This approach
accelerates innovation, and has allowed MySQL to become an incredibly
flexible technology.

"In addition, MySQL reduces overall cost of ownership as it is not dependent
on one platform or stack, and it has low hardware requirements which keeps
costs down for SMEs and gives our customers choice in how they use their
Sage products in relation to operating systems and other applications.

Under the long-term agreement any Sage application can now use MySQL
technology within clearly defined terms.

David Axmark, one of MySQL AB's co-founders, said. "It is an incredibly
strong validation for MySQL to be selected as a database standard by Sage -
a clear business software leader. We look forward to working with Sage's
operating companies to learn how their customers might benefit from MySQL."

The integration of this leading technology into Sage products will not
involve any additional cost to the customer. As part of the MySQL
integration into Sage products, upgrades will be designed to ensure smooth
data migration from their existing Sage product.

About MySQL

MySQL AB develops and supports a family of high-performance, affordable
database products. The company's flagship offering is 'MySQL Enterprise', a
comprehensive set of production-tested software, proactive monitoring tools,
and premium support services.

MySQL is the world's most popular open source database software, with over
10 million active installations. Many of the world's largest and
fastest-growing organisations use MySQL to save time and money powering
their high-volume Web sites, business-critical systems and packaged
software -- including industry leaders such as Yahoo!, Alcatel, The
Associated Press, Suzuki and NASA.

With headquarters in the United States and Sweden -- 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.

About Sage

The Sage Group plc is a leading international supplier of accounting and
business management software solutions and related products and services,
principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was
floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and the Group now employs over
12,000 people worldwide. www.sage.com

Notes: Open source is a method of developing and distributing computer software so that the product's source code is always available to users under a
copyright license that allows them to study, modify, and improve the
software. 'Free' software such as MySQL refers to freedom, not necessarily
free-of-charge.

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MySQL is a registered trademark of MySQL AB in the United States and other
countries. Other product names may be trademarks of their respective
companies.