Re: Oracle vs SQL Server as a back end for Access?

I am not sure what you are specifically asking for comments on in your
post -- comparing back end database engines or replacing the front end
interface or even both. Obviously, the intelligent responses posted
thus far seem to support some confusion as to your position. If you
are asking about what database works best as a back end with an Access
front end, you can generally bet that Microsoft's own SQL Server will
be more compatible. However, if you are looking at other criteria,
such as performance; cost; and capability, you need to assess the back
end database products against your requirements. You cannot wholesale
say that Oracle 10g is better than SQL Server 2000 without determining
whether or not the total cost of ownership of 10g over SQL Server
doesn't ultimately make Oracle's product priced out of the market.
SQL Server 2000 and 2005 are still easier to learn for the average
developer than Oracle 10g, in spite of its new web interface. I have
been a huge proponent of Oracle for years to my customers, but I am
realistic enough to know that different database products work better
in different situations. Generally, when cost was a huge issue, SQL
Server came out on top. Changes in licensing structure for SQL Server
2005 and Oracle 10g certainly put the two products closer in initial
costs, but an Oracle DBA still costs significantly more than a SQL
Server DBA. SQL Server has also made significant strides toward
better security, a realm Oracle had a stronghold over for many years.
If security is critical, I would still recommend Oracle over SQL
Server 2000, but I am less inclined to say Oracle is so much better
than SQL Server 2005 that a significant difference in cost of
ownership is merited. Finally, performance is always a factor.
Generally, unless you are doing some serious data cube and complex
analytics, SQL Server will perform close enough to Oracle to make the
differences irrelevant as a point of contention. The bottom line is
that there really is no clear cut winner in the battle of server-based
database management systems; you have to determine your application
requirements then figure out which database provides the best value.

Just my opinion - GH
Oracle Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified Database
Administrator

.

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