We use MySQL for OLTP applications. HeatWave is used more on the SnowFlake and DSS side of the application.
Director Cloud Architecture at LTIMINDTREE
Highly recommend solution for OLTP applications
Pros and Cons
- "Compared to other databases, MySQL is cheaper and we were using the community edition which was free of cost. ML is fully integrated with the database in HeatWave. It has also many other features. MySQL is a far better solution in terms of pricing."
- "I would like to see more integrations of the solution with other platforms and improve the support on different data types."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Compared to other databases, MySQL is cheaper and we used the community edition which was free of cost. ML is fully integrated with the database in HeatWave. It also has many other features. MySQL is a far better solution in terms of pricing.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see more integrations of the solution with other platforms and improve the support on different data types.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for more than 12 years. I am using the solution’s latest version.
Buyer's Guide
MySQL
April 2026
Learn what your peers think about MySQL. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2026.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability around seven to eight. They should improve the stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would give a rating of eight out of ten for the solution’s scalability. We have a large user base for the solution which is more than 30.
How was the initial setup?
MySQL is easy to set up if you have the PaaS service on your cloud infrastructure. If the setup is normal, then the overall deployment process is easier. However, if there is a need for clustering, then we will need an SME and assets.
You need to install an RPM on-premises to get the database. We need to tweak some parameters at the InnoDB. We have to create the cloud service on the Oracle cloud infrastructure.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution’s pricing depends on customer requirements. A license is not required for the community edition.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the overall solution an eight out of ten. However, compared to other open-source databases like PostgreSQL, I would rate it a nine out of ten. Compared to Oracle, I can give a rating of around seven to eight. We are using MySQL’s HeatWave. The maintenance of the solution is based on its complexity. In the normal scenario, one resource is good enough for maintenance and deployment. The older versions had an issue with stability. The issue has improved with the newer versions.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Associate Consultant at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
The best choice for new database management users and smaller data to 60K
Pros and Cons
- "The solution helps us perform with our databases and extract data."
- "Clusters are hard to perform so we use no SQL alternates like MongoDB."
What is our primary use case?
Our company uses the solution to extract data from databases. We perform the create, read, write, and operations in databases.
The number of users depends on the project. If there is a demand, then people good with SQL will jump in on projects.
What is most valuable?
The solution helps us perform with our databases and extract data.
The solution is free.
What needs improvement?
Clusters are hard to perform so we use no SQL alternates like MongoDB.
The solution should manage large data sets better because data that is around one lakh or two lakh fails to load. In these cases, we use no SQL structures like MongoDB.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is decently, but not largely scalable. It works very well and is comfortable with 50K or 60K of data. If you have large-scale data, then the solution is slower and has some errors.
How are customer service and support?
I have not needed technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The setup is pretty easy. All resources are available on YouTube so configuration is quite easy.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the solution in-house and setup was pretty fast. You just set up the application, create queries, and connect with the front end or whatever you are trying to do.
If you are handling large data, then it is a good idea to maintain the solution weekly because it will be better.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is open source so is free.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
The solution is good for smaller data or new users. If you are maintaining large data and want to build a fully-furnished application, then you have to use something else like PostgreSQL.
What other advice do I have?
If you are new to database management, then the solution will be the best choice.
I rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
MySQL
April 2026
Learn what your peers think about MySQL. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2026.
893,915 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Sr. Tech Systems Architect at Intuitive
Free, open-source, and easy to use
Pros and Cons
- "MySQL has cross-platform support for multiple operating systems. The backups on a Linux machine can be restored on a Windows machine, and vice versa."
- "Improvements are required in character set support, scalability, and big data sets."
What is our primary use case?
The primary use case for MySQL is to develop web applications, proof of concept projects with data collection, data manipulation, and data reporting on both Windows and Linux platforms.
We also use MySQL to store the data that we receive from different projects and build data models. We can also develop reports out of it.
MySQL is used for small application use only and not used for enterprise-level business applications.
MSQL is free open-source software. This is the most valuable aspect for any company as it helps to reduce the cost.
How has it helped my organization?
MySQL is easy to use and, with basic knowledge of SQL, users can easily build SQL Statements. It helps to reduce project cost for development projects. It also supports a large number of embedded applications.
The backup and recovery features are easy to use without any complexity. Users who don’t have much knowledge of databases can easily use these features.
MySQL offers password encryption and offers a good data security layer to protect data.
MySQL platform independence helps the development and user community.
What is most valuable?
MySQL is a relational database and it is easy to install, handle day-to-day activities, and manage backups. It is compatible with a lot of other shared database solutions.
MySQL Workbench is the graphical user interface tool and it helps with development, data modeling, data migration, and day-to-day administration.
MySQL has cross-platform support for multiple operating systems. The backups on a Linux machine can be restored on a Windows machine, and vice versa.
MySQL supports multiple window displays and it is useful for developers and users who don’t have much database knowledge.
What needs improvement?
Improvements are required in character set support, scalability, and big data sets.
There is a lack of advanced features such as SQLServer, PostgreSQL, etc. I would like to see minimum reporting services and analytics features in the next release.
MySQL doesn't have many tools to monitor performance and fix issues easily.
The graphical user interface needs to be improved. It would be nice to have drag and drop on tables to create relationships between them. Other relational databases have these basic features. It helps during development to have these on hand.
It needs improvement in high availability and scalability features.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for more than ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
MySQL is good for small to medium sizes. Also, it has built-in security features.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is good.
How are customer service and support?
The support may be limited for users who are not on cloud and needs improvement.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not previously use a different solution.
How was the initial setup?
MySQL is easy to setup and offers HA and scalability features.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the solution in-house.
What was our ROI?
Its free open source availability provides good ROI. MySQL commercial version cost is higher than other open source databases.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
MySQL is free open-source software. This is the most valuable aspect for any company.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We looked at an SQL Server and Mongo DB.
What other advice do I have?
It supports wide range of languages and cross-platform support. Also the newer versions of MySQL offers lot of new features.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Supervisor at GGoC1
A tool that offers an easy setup phase along with exceptional stability
Pros and Cons
- "It is a very stable solution. I deployed the product six years ago, and it still works fine."
- "The performance, stability, and security are areas with shortcomings in MySQL, where improvements are required."
What is our primary use case?
I started to use MySQL at some point when I had some issues that I couldn't get around. I normally use the tool in professional opportunities and when I require support from MySQL.
Cacti is a tool for monitoring devices on a network in graphical terms, for which it uses MySQL or MariaDB. I mostly deploy Cacti with MySQL or MariaDB. Somewhere down the line, I started to have some issues with the permissions in MySQL, including its areas like superuser privileges and similar stuff, which took me a while to figure out. I think the tool is fine for me now.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of the solution stems from the fact that it helps me to get my work done. I am more interested in getting my work done than any feature it comes with since, as long as it gets my work done, it can actually help me achieve my objectives.
What needs improvement?
Nowadays, I use phpMyAdmin or MySQL WorkBench to manage MySQL. I would have been in a position to comment on what requires improvement if I had spoken about the tool three years ago. There are no improvements needed in the UI of the solution since many tools in the market help the user get the job done. MySQL WorkBench belongs to Oracle.
The performance, stability, and security are areas with shortcomings in MySQL, where improvements are required.
It would be a great improvement if the product could be made affordable enough for me to be able to access support from MYSQL, especially when I deal with mission-critical applications.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using MySQL since 2014.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a very stable solution. I deployed the product six years ago, and it still works fine.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I won't be able to comment on the product's scalability since I haven't deployed it in a cluster environment.
Our company has over a thousand devices, including switches and a couple of other devices, which report to MySQL for management purposes. In general, MySQL is a very robust tool.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Somewhere down the line, I got introduced to MariaDB as well. Nowadays, I use MariaDB rather than MySQL most of the time.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup phase is easy since I use package management software. I mostly take care of the deployment phase with the help of Docker and other tools. If you decide to use the default deployment settings provided by MySQL, then it is a straightforward process to deploy it.
A lot of things have changed since I have deployed the solution. The solution is like a new product nowadays since you just need an application to deploy it presently. The other area where you need to take care of the solution is knowing how to secure it very well so that it becomes less vulnerable and prevents people from taking advantage of the solution.
Mostly, I go to the MySQL website to download the binaries, and I just deploy them on a Windows machine or another system, which is just a straightforward process. The product's installation phase is not much of a problem.
The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.
Earlier in my company, there were three people who used to take care of the deployment of the solution, but presently, I don't know who handles the deployment part.
What was our ROI?
In the past, the product was free for users, which ensured that users could experience a high return on investment from the use of the solution. I don't know the licensing models attached to the solution currently, but the return on investment is very high if you use it for a very limited amount of time.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
MySQL was one of the tools I was introduced to from the very beginning when I was in school. Though I knew about Microsoft SQL Server, the lectures in my school did not introduce me to it since more focus was placed on MySQL. I find MySQL easier to use compared to Microsoft SQL Server.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend the solution to those who plan to use it since it is a very good product that comes to my mind since it is always available. I don't know about the current licensing model of the product because it was an open-source tool earlier. I don't remember myself attempting to check what kind of license MySQL uses presently. In the past, Microsoft SQL Server used to cost a lot of money, which my company couldn't afford at that time.
I rate the overall system an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Pantheon ERP Implementer & Head of Accounting at Datalab
Includes a feature for automation but license needs to be cheaper
Pros and Cons
- "I like MySQL's feature that helps to automate things."
- "The solution is expensive."
What is our primary use case?
We use MySQL to manage business intelligence reports by linking them with Oracle database and Power BI.
What is most valuable?
I like MySQL's feature that helps to automate things.
What needs improvement?
The solution is expensive.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate MySQL's stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
My company has two users for the solution.
How are customer service and support?
We have not contacted support until now. We have an onboarding manual.
How was the initial setup?
The tool's installation is not complex but you need to have experience to set it up. You need to download the solution and pay for it. The installation can be done within an hour.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You need to pay upgrade costs every year.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate MySQL a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Officer IT data processing at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Ltd.
Good stability and easy initial setup process
Pros and Cons
- "It is a scalable solution."
- "It requires a training platform."
What is our primary use case?
We have used the solution to manage database administration and custom attributes.
What is most valuable?
The solution has all the essential features. We can manipulate bulk data, clean up data, divide it into compartments, and optimize it.
What needs improvement?
There should be a training platform for the solution without the complexities of owning a server partition in our system.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution's stability a ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. We have 1200 solution users in our organization.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup was straightforward.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the solution as a ten. I advise others to have durable resources to handle the operations of MySQL systems.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Solutions Architect at Teravision Technologies
Useful auto-scaling, helpful support, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of MySQL is auto-scaling."
- "The GUI could improve to make MySQL better."
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of MySQL is auto-scaling.
What needs improvement?
The GUI could improve to make MySQL better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using MySQL for approximately four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of MySQL is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
MySQL can scale well.
How are customer service and support?
I have used the support and level three support is great.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of MySQL was straightforward.
What was our ROI?
We have not seen a return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of the solution is good because we have a good partner.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is good at scaling.
I rate MySQL a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
A powerful tool that can perform multiple analyses and reveal hidden insights in datasets to its users
Pros and Cons
- "MySQL is a scalable tool. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten...The solution's technical support is good. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten."
- "There should be an arrangement for end-users to get trained to use the tool...Improvement-wise, a graphical interface could be added for new users, eliminating the need to memorize the complex syntax."
What is most valuable?
MySQL can handle multiple rules of a database within seconds and extract required information for the business case, especially with well-optimized queries.
What needs improvement?
There should be an arrangement for end-users to get trained to use the tool. End-users don't know many things which MySQL offers to its users. So, there is a need for the end-users to upgrade themselves. Also, the tool is already good the way it is currently owing to its features like multithreading which helps with the queries quickly. In short, if one goes for the complex part, if one uses it for a very specialized case, then that person needs to write a very complex query involving multiple tables, multiple joints, and multiple conditions based on whatever scenario one uses.
Improvement-wise, a graphical interface could be added for new users, eliminating the need to memorize the complex syntax.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used MySQL for five and a half years in my company, but I have used the tool for around ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
MySQL is a stable tool. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
MySQL is a scalable tool. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten. My whole company directly or indirectly uses the tool since we are involved in analytics. My company is an enterprise-sized one.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support is good. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Since everyone in the industry we are a part of uses MySQL servers, we have also used the same.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup depends upon the use cases. If you're using it for a simple thing, it's a simple process. But, my problems and statements are quite complex, and I use them to get information, like how the customers perform based on cohort analysis. Also, my use cases are complex, so I have to write complex queries. Overall, the setup process depends upon the scenario.
The installation process is not difficult since it gets pre-installed in all the machines after it is done once. Since the installation process is neither very easy nor difficult, I can rate it somewhere around seven out of ten.
The IT Department handled the deployment process in my current company. Based on my experience deploying the solution in my previous company, its deployment was not difficult. Since everything was already deployed in my current company, we are using the tool as front-end users. When planning to start using the solution, we need to launch SQL server before using it. Also, based on whatever datasets are there, we need to get the permissions for those data sets, after which we are good to go.
MySQL requires maintenance, while the IT department handles the maintenance of SQL server. I am not involved in managing the upgrading part of the tool. Every year, MySQL keeps releasing new versions with new functionalities.
What other advice do I have?
My suggestion to those planning to use the solution is to learn about it and utilize it for their specific scenarios. It is a powerful tool that can perform multiple analyses and reveal hidden insights within multi-million or billion-row datasets that may not be immediately visible to the human eye. The tool also offers many use cases for machine learning. I encourage users to plan and explore the tool to discover its full potential. I rate the overall product a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: April 2026
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