Novell Tests MySQL for NetWare 6

Novell has begun beta testing a commercial version of MySQL optimized for NetWare 6, which enables developers to utilize the open source database along with Apache and PHP in the network operating system. The applications -- collectively known as NetWare AMP -- position NetWare as a viable platform for Web development.

The public beta version of MySQL for NetWare 6 allows developers to use Java, C, Perl, and PHP APIs to access persistent data. Novell recently completed beta testing of PHP for NetWare.

Novell plans to ship MySQL for NetWare by the end of the year and will not charge current users for the update. The company says it will open source all optimizations it makes to the database and post them on the MySQL Web site. Future versions of NetWare are slated to include the database as well.