# SCO Claims They Own Part of MySQL's Code?

So what is SCO up to? They partnered with MySQL some time ago, and
are now [trumpeting][1] their latest brain-child SCAMP, an assault
on [LAMP][2]. I can't imagine anyone actually buying their arguments
that they are somehow adding value to LAMP by replacing the "L" and
plunking the rest on top of their own OS. But this is odd, from
[this PDF doc on MySQL at SCO's site][3] (my emphasis added):

> 9. OPEN SOURCE FREEDOM AND 24 X 7 SUPPORT Many corporations are
> hesitant to fully commit to open source software because they
> believe they can't get the type of support or professional service
> safety nets they currently rely on with proprietary software to
> ensure the overall success of their key applications. The
> questions of indemnification come up often as well. These worries
> can be put to rest with MySQL as complete around-the-clock support
> as well as indemnification is available through MySQL
> Network. MySQL is not a typical open source project as all the
> software is owned and supported by both SCO and MySQL AB, and
> because of this, a unique cost and support model are available
> that provides a unique combination of open source freedom and
> trusted software with support.

Ignore the non-sequitur about [proprietary software support being
somehow better than open source software support][4], this seems to
pretty clearly state that SCO owns part of the MySQL code
base. Anyone have a clue why they would say that? This is what
Mysql's site says about the [ownership of the MySQL code base][5]:

> The company was founded in Sweden by two Swedes and a Finn: David
> Axmark, Allan Larsson and Michael "Monty" Widenius who have worked
> together since the 80's. MySQL AB is the sole owner of the MySQL
> server source code, the MySQL trademark and the mysql.com domain
> worldwide.

They are right about [MySQL offering indemnification][6], but MySQL
offers this idependently of SCO. They should just take "SCO" out of
the sentence in question, since it's MySQL giving support and owning
the code, not SCO.

[1]: http://www.techrockies.com/story/0003469.html
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20061130011752/http://www.onlamp.com/
[3]: http://www.sco.com/products/mysql/mysql_top_ten.pdf
[4]: gopher://gopher.unixlore.net/0/articles/historical-blog-posts/20060314-battles-with-proprietary-software-support.txt
[5]: http://www.mysql.com/company/
[6]: https://web.archive.org/web/20060702023702/https://www.mysql.com/network/indemnification.html