Re: Informix, Sybase, Oracle or MS SQL server

tlarson@ari.net (J.Masino/T.Larson) wrote: >Michael Cowden (cowden@tc.net) wrote: >: >: We are trying to find a workgroup database server to run on Intel/NT >: that will be accessed from an SCO UnixWare 2.1 server and an SGI Irix >: 5.3 server. The Irix machine is a webserver and will perform queries on >: the database. The UnixWare machine is an IVR (Integrated Voice Response >: unit--an automated attendant used to process incoming telephone calls >: and such). The UnixWare machine will also query the database. >: Additionally, reports will be run on the database--sporadically. >: >: We will also need Embedded SQL for SCO Unixware 2.1's C compiler and the >: IRIX 5.3 C compiler. >: >: I'm wondering which one of these servers is the best to go with. Here's >: what I found so far. >: >: Oracle: >: Seems to offer alot of what we need, but you must take a >: database of line to back it up--this is a problem. You do not have to take Oracle off line to back up the database, it is just easier that way.. >:so, I've yet to >: speak with a technical person at Oracle--they seem to just try to get by >: with their name. Also, They are a little more expensive and I don't >: care much for their internet strategy (creating a webserver to compete >: with Netscape and others rather than working with webserver developers Oracle does work with other browsers, I believe Power Browser is being developed specifically to give you data validation at the client side using Oracle Basic as the programming language. I would suggest that you check the pricing of Oracle Workgroup Server that is priced to compete with SQLServer from both Sybase and Microsoft. >: as does Sybase). Also, they seem to be more proprietary than Sybase or >: Informix. > >If you read their news group you will find you aren't alone in your >response to their tech support. It seems to be a cycle for all vendors. >As for their proprietary nature, I have found that is just Oracle's approach. >They are a product bundling type of company, which is a good thing for >people who like to do one-stop-shopping. > >: Sybase: >: Liked dealing with them but it seems that they have some serious >: problems--no row-level locking, no two-phase commit. I like their >: web.sql product--but it's not out for IRIX yet. Aside from these issues >: I am very happy with them, but these are serious issues. > >There's another thread in here kicking around row level vs page level locking. >It pops up periodically. I have not found page level locking to be a problem. >It minimizes the work the server has to do which is good for performance. >2K is usually just a few rows (usually), and your database design will >frequently handle it (carefully choose what you create your clustered indexes >on, if you need them, to avoid insert hot spots, bundle transactions (begin >and end transaction) so that updates don't hold locks for extended amounts >of time -- that kind of thing). > >I'm confused about what you say about the two-phased commit. Sybase supports >two-phased commit capability through Open Client. Of course, this is >client-side calls rather than server-side enforcement. So their >implementation may not be optimal for your plans, but it is there if that's >your concern. > >: Informix: >: Just getting familiar with their offering. They look good, but >: I still need to find out more. They don't appear to have the same >: problems that Sybase has. They also do not have anything out for the >: web side (except for the CGI kit). LiveWire Pro for Netscape is not yet >: available but will offer alot of what we need for the database >: integration from the web. I'm interested in finding out more about >: these guys. They look like a good alternative. > >I haven't worked with it. I've read a lot and it sounds like they are doing >good things. > >: MS SQL Server: >: My initial inclination (from dealing with MS in the past) is NO >: WAY. Serious issues include--access from Unixware and Irix. >: Scalability--with MS it looks like you are stuck with MS the whole way. > >All valid points. :-) > > Good luck, > Teresa Larson > > ____________________________________________________________________ > / Teresa A. Larson ISUG Electronic Media Chair / > / Bell Atlantic Voice: (703) 769-8662 / > / 900 South Walter Reed Drive Fax: (703) 769-8415/8416 / > / Arlington, VA 22204 bfr45rp@IS001685.bell-atl.com / >/___________________________________________________________________/ > #include <std_disclaimer> > > _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Gordon E. Hooker MACS PCP 25 Clarke Street Ripley Queensland Australia Phone 61-7-32940555 Email gordonh@acslink.net.au _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ We are just two lost souls living in a fish bowl Year after year Pink Floyd