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Tech war: Chinese database software vendor shrugs off sanctions risk on using open-source code from Oracle’s MySQL system
- Beijing Wanli Open Source Software and parent Troy Information Technology assert that GreatDB database system does not face the risk of sanctions
- GreatDB’s core technology was developed independently in China, according to the two companies
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A Chinese software vendor has brushed aside speculation that its enterprise product, which uses code from Oracle Corp’s MySQL open-source relational database management system, faces the risk of sanctions amid simmering tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Beijing Wanli Open Source Software Co recently indicated that its open-source database system GreatDB, used by major state-owned firms like China Mobile and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, is not threatened by sanctions or suspensions because the core technology was developed independently, according to the company’s WeChat post last Monday.
That declaration followed assurances made by Shenzhen-listed Troy Information Technology Co, parent of Beijing Wanli Open Source, days earlier to investors that it controls all relevant codes and technologies. Troy, however, admitted that GreatDB’s storage node was built on open-source technology from GreatSQL – a unit of MySQL, whose database software is used by the likes of Microsoft’s Azure cloud business and Amazon Web Services.
To further clarify, Troy said: “The core of GreatSQL is not related to MySQL, and it is an independent technology evolution.”
The assertions made by Beijing Wanli Open Source and Troy showed a concerted effort to allay concerns that GreatDB could be subject to sanctions risk should MySQL stops licensing its code, which was the subject of an article posted on May 28 on news aggregator platform Jinri Toutiao by an account called “Weichuangshe”.
The companies’ move reflect growing geopolitical tensions and fresh calls on the mainland to step up replacement of foreign technologies with home-grown products.
Jiaxing is a business reporter covering markets, finance, and broad business news in the region. Prior to that, she wrote about China's tech sector for the Post. She has a master's degree in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong.
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