Anyone else think this is crazy? I mean I always see databases included in the cheapest of hosting packages and even free ones.
A client I’m working for already has a site hosted here http://www.netbenefit.com/ and I couldn’t find on their site where to set up the mySql. I had to do it over the phone and that’s when they tried charging me. I could host it somewhere else entirely for £15 a month including databases. I asked them to justify it and they said because it’s all on their own servers or summat. Load of old rubbish if u ask me.
Now I’m fairly new to the server side of stuff so let me know if I’m moaning over nothing!
I think you are right to be moaning over it. My friends $1.99 USD/month hosting comes with 5 mysql databases…how much is that in USD?
edit // oh yea…mysql is free btw, its not like you are trying to get mssql or oracle…is that legal for a hosting company to charge for a service that they get for free?
Moan away. I’d get in touch with your client and let them know that there would be an additional charge for the database if they stay with this host. Or that you could find them a better host for less per month that would include the database.
Yup what they are doing is perfectly legal. They aren’t selling you the MySQL software for a charge or anything, what they are selling is the ability to use that software as part of the service they’re selling. Nothing illegal about that.
I guess…I just recall there being a fee with MySQL when we sell a product that requires it, we couldn’t distribute it freely…we had to tell the customer to go download it. That is a little different.
I don’t think it’s illegal either. In fact, the project Im workin is actually e-commerce and I’m using the open source zen cart and charging for it. I’m not charging for the code itself, but the time, design and skill to install it online and go through all this set up malarky! I spose they charge for the ability and support or whatever. Difference is i’m charging a more than fair rate and this company are extracting EXTREME Michael.
I just feel bad going back to the client and telling them they’ve gotta pay more than they thought coz their hosting sucks. Still, rather that than it come out of my fee. Yargh. It’s worked out quite well actually as I’ve found a host designed specifically for zen cart which bundles the space, mysql and ssl certificates in the package for a good price and I was gonna pay for the certificates myself (I included that in the price I quoted as I knew they woudlnt have any)
It all depends on how you’re using MySQL. If I develop an application that uses MySQL, I don’t believe that I can include MySQL (say on a CD) and sell it - not without a license fee from MySQL. But I could have that same app make use of a MySQL databases that I was hosting for people who bought the app and it would be fine. At least that’s what I understood from the email I received from MySQL a long time back.
@FlasFish – never feel bad about going to a client with a bit of bad news about their current set up. Especially if it wasn’t you who recommended the set up in the first place. The best you can do is give them all the options available to them and let them make the call.
The only time to feel bad is when something you recommened causes the problem. Then… well usually cutting them a deal works in making them happy again.
