SQL Anywhere Is Free!

The free "Web Edition" of SQL Anywhere 11 is a pretty good deal:

• no charges

• no limits on server functionality

• no limits on the number of users

• MobiLink is included, and so is UltraLite
  

It's called the "Web Edition" for a reason, however: all end user interactions must originate from a web browser. In other words, it's not a "free client server edition". And it's not a "free embedded OEM edition" either.

You can download the Web Edition from here.

When you install it, you will see not one, but two license agreements, the second one containing all the fine print specific to the Web Edition. Section 3 contains the interesting bits, and I've pasted it below so you can see what you're getting in to.

3. Use of Program.

3.1 Web Server Database. Each instance of this SQL Anywhere Web Edition permits you to access the SQL Anywhere Server component from an unlimited number of Seats, and may include internal users within the Customer's organization and external users outside the Customer's organization, provided that (a) except as specifically authorized below, all access, direct and indirect, to the SQL Anywhere Server originates from a Web Browser; (b) the primary purpose of the SQL Anywhere Server is to support interactive Web Browser applications; and (c) the SQL Anywhere Server is installed on only one Web Server.

3.2 Synchronization. Each instance of this SQL Anywhere Web Edition permits you to install and use the MobiLink Synchronization Server component, provided that (a) the MobiLink Synchronization Server consolidated database is the SQL Anywhere Server described in Section 3.1, a SQL Anywhere Server with a valid purchased License, or a MySQL database server; (b) all synchronization requests to the MobiLink Synchronization Server are from SQL Anywhere UltraLite components described in Section 3.3; and (c) the MobiLink Synchronization Server is installed on only one computer.

3.3 Local Web Database. Each instance of this SQL Anywhere Web Edition permits you to distribute and install the SQL Anywhere UltraLite component on an unlimited number of Seats, and may include internal users within the Customer's organization and external users outside the Customer's organization, provided that (a) all access, direct and indirect, to the SQL Anywhere UltraLite component is from a Web Browser; (b) the sole purpose of the SQL Anywhere UltraLite component is to support interactive Web Browser applications; and (c) data stored in the SQL Anywhere UltraLite component is synchronized using the MobiLink Synchronization Server described in Section 3.2.

3.4 Administration, Maintenance, and Data Import/Export. You may install and use the SQL Anywhere client software and tools on additional Seats solely for administration and maintenance of the SQL Anywhere Server described in Section 3.1 and the MobiLink Synchronization Server described in Section 3.2. Administration and maintenance may include, but is not limited to, importing or exporting of data in the SQL Anywhere Server, or running non-interactive reporting applications.

3.5 Diagnostic Tracing. When using the Application Profiling feature in SQL Anywhere, you have the option of storing tracing data within the database being profiled or in a separate tracing database stored on a separate machine. You may install the SQL Anywhere Server components on a separate Server solely for use with the tracing database used in conjunction with the Application Profiling feature. No other components may be installed on the separate Server, and the SQL Anywhere Server may not be used to process other applications, without obtaining an additional license.

3.6 High Availability Option: SQL Anywhere has a High Availability Option where an additional SQL Anywhere server runs on a secondary computer for Use in the event of a failure of the primary server. A SQL Anywhere High Availability Option deployment is only permitted if applicable licenses are purchased.

3.7 MobiLink Server Farm. A MobiLink Server Farm is an environment where more than one MobiLink server is synchronizing the same set of remote databases with one application or database management system. A MobiLink Server Farm deployment requires MobiLink to run in shared state mode and is only permitted if applicable licenses are purchased.

3.8 Security Option. RSA Encryption is included in the SQL Anywhere Web Edition. Software for Encryption using ECC or FIPS-certified technology, which may be included with the Program, may not be installed or used without the purchase of a separate license at an additional charge. If the needed license has been purchased, the Encryption may only be used in conjunction with Sybase SQL Anywhere. You are advised that these Encryption Programs and related Documentation are cryptographic in nature and therefore are highly regulated. Obtaining any necessary export or import approval for any of your applications or the Security Options or Documentation is your responsibility.

3.9 Sample Code. Sample Code is provided AS IS, without warranty or liability of any kind. You may use, reproduce, modify and distribute the Sample Code that is provided without limitation, on the condition that you retain the copyright notice and disclaimer as to the original iAnywhere code.