MySQL AB, property of Sun Microsystems, reversed its decision about releasing advanced MySQL 6 features under a closed source license. Last month it was announced that the upcoming version of the widely used database server would not contain certain closed source encryption and compression backup extensions. Reportedly, those would be included only in a paid enterprise version. Now, according to a blog post at mysql.com, the decision has been reversed and MySQL will remain fully open source.

MySQL is the world's most popular open source database, competing for the top position in database market share charts with Microsoft and Oracle. According to the official site, it is downloaded 50,000 times per day.

The announcement's author says the open source license of encryption and compression backup features is a "change in direction" from what was initially planned. The change is a result of MySQL's acquisition by Sun, which has "a whole family of complementary open source software and hardware products."

IT professionals will see this move as a proof of Sun's dedication to open source. Other recent developments at the company include the first official release of the OpenSolaris OS and removing the last licensing hurdles in the Java programming language.