Kevin J. Mullins wrote:
>
> I am looking for any insight anyone may have on running Oracle as a database
> solution.  We would like to do this using our very reliable HP3000 system or
> possibly a HP9000 system

Why not stay with Image/sql on the 3000?  It provide high performance and
high reliability on a scalable and extremely reliable platform, with all the
features you need for a modern DBMS, even sql.

>
> If any of you are running Oracle on either of these platforms I'd appreciate
> any insight you can offer us.

I'm currently providing database administration (and project management
consulting) for a move from a 3000 Image/sql in-house system onto a Oracle
based commercial package system on a 9000.  Oracle's complexity is so far
above and beyond Image/sql (with Adager or DBGeneral or equiv.), I have found
it nearly horrifying.  No business should put up with the demands of Oracle
DB administration - and it is a sad note that the IT industry not only puts
up with it but seems to actually be moving toward it. Somewhat similar, if
less extreme, things could be said of 9000 systems administration relative to
3000 administration.

While Oracle offers a few features that Image doesn't (like the ability to
add a column to a table dynamically), the feature additions to Image/sql in
recent years have brought to it nearly anything you'd reasonably need, while
maintaining the same high standards of performance and reliability.

>
> One additional theory is to run Oracle off of NT Server but this raises a
> wide variety of concerns when it comes to stability, security, etc.  If we
> were running Oracle off of NT this would be as our sole system globally for
> all corporate functions.  Any insight in this area also appreciated.

The package we're using also runs on NT.  From the reports I've read, it is
suitable, at best, for very small installations and some experience the need
for frequent reboots.

Finally, let me add that if you do move to Oracle/Unix, plan on a 4 to 10
fold increase in the system resources needed to run equivalent
applications.   Also, Oracle on the 3000 seems to be "on hold" waiting for
enough demand to emerge to justify continuing support - presently I think
Oracle 7.2 or 7.3 is available for MPE, but not 8.x.  One more thing, if you
do go with Oracle, be darn sure someone qualified (or really dependable and
smart learns) to do the DB administration and practice combined backups
strategies (hot, cold, and export - not just one).

> --
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> * Kevin J. Mullins         Phone:  281-897-3626                           *
> * MIS Manager              Fax:    281-469-3226
> *
> * Interconex,Inc.          E-mail: [log in to unmask]  *
> * Houston, TX. USA       URL:    http://www.interconex.com         *
> **************************************************

--
Richard Gambrell
Database Administrator and Consultant to Computing Services
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dept. 4454
113 Hunter Hall, 615 McCallie Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598
UTC e-mail: [log in to unmask]   phone: 423-755-4551
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