As most of us know, Oracle has purchased InnoBase, makers of the InnoDB transactional
engine for MySQL. This leaves MySQL in an awkward position. Although the code is GPL'd,
it cannot be sold under a non-GPL license should Oracle change the licensing terms, or
the cost of the license.

So, MySQL needs another transactional engine. Two have emerged

solidDB, via acquisition of the parent company that makes that database
http://solutions.mysql.com/solutions/item.php?id=219
http://www.mysql.com/news-and-events/news/article_1206.html

And Falcon, which is build by Jim Starkey (ex-DEC, Firebird co-creator).
http://www.mysql.org/doc/refman/5.1/en/se-falcon-features.html
http://forge.mysql.com/wiki/Falcon

So, just a heads up on what is going on. Not clear if MySQL intends to push two engines,
or just hedging their bets to see which one pans out.