ScaleDB, Inc., in shared-disk clustering for open source databases, launches the beta of its ScaleDB Cluster for MySQL. Shared-disk clustering is a high-performance, high-availability solution primarily used for Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) applications. Until now, shared-disk clustering was only available from a select few high-end commercial database companies for a very large premium over their standard offerings. Now ScaleDB makes this technology available to users of the open source MySQL database for pennies on the dollar compared to commercial database alternatives.

The shared-disk database architecture delivers high performance and scalability while minimizing database maintenance and optimization tasks.

Additional advantages include:

• Dynamic scalability: add/remove cluster nodes without interruption
• Cluster-level load balancing: Any node in the cluster can handle any database request, providing unparalleled flexibility
• High-availability: If one node fails, the others keep running without interruption
• Data consistency: You don't split or duplicate your data, so your data is always consistent
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Reduces your costs for hardware, software and maintenance, especially since you don't need to partition your data.

Adding shared-disk clustering to an existing MySQL application is simple; just plug-in the ScaleDB storage engine. There is no change to the application. The installation and configuration takes only about 30 minutes.

"Most new applications are being built on MySQL. As these applications scale, and business requirements expand, many companies are forced to transition to commercial databases," said Mike Hogan, CEO, ScaleDB. "Now they can simply plug-in ScaleDB Cluster for MySQL and make their application enterprise-class."

ScaleDB is now available to select beta testers.