Oracle VS SQL Server - Which is best to back end ?

I guess that this has probably been discussed before, but not in my lifetime
on this group, so I'd appreciate any views that the group have as VB
Developers.
I've been asked to make a comparison between Oracle / SQLS for a
specification we're writing for a system which is too great for Access,
(poor network infrastructure on site). So the solution is for a
client/server system.
Point to note: The volumes of data will be too great for Access, but
probably at the lower end of the scale for a true client/server back end
database.
The company contracted to support IT at the firm, will only support Oracle
back-ends, and will not hear of SQL Server being installed. The main client
however will listen to any argument for the use SQLS with VB.
I would prefer to use SQL Server, as I always feel more at home with
Microsoft products (Technet support, big on-line communities), by my
knowledge of any comparison with Oracle is nil.
I would appreciate any of your views regarding this dilemma.
Many Thanks
Alex Stevens, England
Alex,
IMHO, the IT service firm is correct. Ease of installation, setup, and
documentation is a minor consideration compared to factors regarding real
database applications.
First, SQL*Server 7 only runs on NT Server. NT Server itself is not
sufficiently stable or reliable for an enterprise application. It is
sufficient for non-critical, departmental apps (yeah, i've hear all of the
hype about it too!)
Second, SQL*Server does not provide the same level of security and recovery
as Oracle.
Third, scalability, compatibility, and expandability are much better with
Oracle.
Perhaps you should listen to the rationale of the company retained to
support the systems. They may have lived through some experiences which
lead them to the position they hold. I agree with them!
Alex Stevens <alex@.matrixinfotech.co.uk> wrote in message
news:RO3t5.6084$pi.30098@.NewsReader...
> I guess that this has probably been discussed before, but not in my
lifetime
> on this group, so I'd appreciate any views that the group have as VB
> Developers.
> I've been asked to make a comparison between Oracle / SQLS for a
> specification we're writing for a system which is too great for Access,
> (poor network infrastructure on site). So the solution is for a
> client/server system.
> Point to note: The volumes of data will be too great for Access, but
> probably at the lower end of the scale for a true client/server back end
> database.
> The company contracted to support IT at the firm, will only support Oracle
> back-ends, and will not hear of SQL Server being installed. The main
client
> however will listen to any argument for the use SQLS with VB.
> I would prefer to use SQL Server, as I always feel more at home with
> Microsoft products (Technet support, big on-line communities), by my
> knowledge of any comparison with Oracle is nil.
> I would appreciate any of your views regarding this dilemma.
> Many Thanks
> Alex Stevens, England
>
>
>