versions and instances and platforms

I have read some of the postings debating the pros and cons of multiple instances on one machine. I have a few more questions/issues. Is it relatively easy to run multiple instances of multiple versions (7.3,8.x and/or 9.x) all on one machine? How does that work with INFORMIXDIR as well as with the administration tools? Ours is not a resource sharing issue, as they are mostly development instances on decent servers (although they are NT) with alot of memory, but we are trying to do as much as we can with testing different db platforms on a limited number of physical machines. Is there a concise list of supported OS/server platforms for the various engines somewhere? Also, anyone know where the best source of info is on the features of the different engines? I've checked the iiug.org site, and can't seem to find much of use on the Informix web site. I'm trying to avoid the call to sales and or support. Lastly, any idea when 7.31 will port to NT? TIA...any info at all will be most appreciated... Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Share what you know. Learn what you don't.