Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)

Dear fellow Java developers:

I am currently playing around with MySQL database with Java, and am hearing mixed reviews about the database from a variety of people. Some people say it is an excellent database, and others have criticized it, saying that it does not support stored procedures, it fails the ACID test, it is not a true RDMS, it is not good for performing transactions, it is not the best open source database program etc.

What do you fellow Java developers say about the above statements and/or others? What is your assessment of MySQL as a database, and as compared to others such as Oracle, DB2, MSSql server? Would it be wise to use it to store inventory for say, an online bookstore/clothing store/petstore?

A friend forwarded me the following article, albeit a little outdated:

http://openacs.org/philosophy/why-not-mysql.html

how do you feel about other open source databases such as postgreSQL, and Interbase??

Any thoughts and opinions shared would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Sincerely;
Fayyaz