When choosing the best database server for your business, most companies use Oracle and Microsoft SQL servers. Both of them have their pros and cons. However, if you are not sure which server to use, check out this simple guide below:
- A brief overview of Microsoft SQL server
- An insight into Oracle Database
- Salient features of Microsoft SQL server
- Key features of Oracle database
- Significant differences between MS SQL Server and Oracle Database
A brief overview of Microsoft SQL server
MS SQL server refers to a widespread database product from Microsoft Corporation. The system enables users to create SQL queries and then execute them. It is one of the most steady, dependable, and secure database solutions available in the market. It is compatible enough to support the latest business intelligence software features, analytics, and transaction processes. This is why companies of all sizes install it in their IT infrastructure.
An insight into Oracle Database
Oracle database is a unique line of relational database management systems (RDBMS) made by Oracle Corporation. The framework of its software applications developed around the concept of a relational database. It allows end-users to access and process data objects by using a standard query language (SQL). The RDBMS architecture of Oracle is scalable to meet the growing needs of companies using it.
Salient features of Microsoft SQL Server
- This database product uses numerous support tools like Database Tuning Advisor, SQL Server Profile and SQL Server Management Studio,
- Allows end-users to opt for either alive product or offline support,
- It has advanced features which enable users to customize datatype mappings, erase or rename objects,
- Displays error messages on a relevant progress window when users make mistakes during migration,
- Provides users with an integrative environment to manage and authorize the functions of the SQL Server Database,
- Allows the user to resize dialogs to access more than one tool whenever opened
- It has an activity monitoring feature in the form of automatic filtering or refreshing sub-options, and
- It enables users to conveniently import and export files with the unique SQL Server Management Studio tool.
Key features of Oracle database
- The database system allows users to manage vast volumes of valuable data easily,
- It enables users to change platforms whenever the need arises conveniently,
- The database gives users the option to either scale-up or down-size their strategies,
- Users can rerun either actual batch or online production workloads on test environments with this database,
- Supports a variety of operating system specific or hardware compatible virtualization technologies,
- It contains an emergency standby database when the primary one becomes corrupt and unworkable,
- It provides suitable VMWare support during testing in system application and products (SAP) environments,
- It has features that enable users to read-write or backup data to prevent overloading the primary database, and
- The database provides users with uninterrupted processing to eliminate the necessity for manual processing.
Significant differences between MS SQL Server and Oracle Database
Specialists from reliable RemoteDBA.com companies point out the following key differences between MS SQL and Oracle Database.
| Parameters | MS SQL Server | Oracle Database |
| Manufacturing Company | Microsoft Corporation owns, manufactures, and markets this database product. | Oracle Corporation owns, makes, and sells this database. |
| Syntax | Uses relatively simple syntax in which end-users can understand and operate. | Uses comparatively sophisticated yet effective syntax |
| Download | End-users can download the evaluation version with 120 or 180 days via www. Micrsoft.com/sqlserver. | End-user can obtain the opensource version by downloading it from otn.oracle.com. |
| Operating system platforms for support | Users need a Windows Server to install this database. However, they can connect and use the 2017 onwards versions on the Linux operating system. | It is versatile and compatible enough to operate on a diverse range of operating systems. |
| Language | MS SQL executes queries using transact SQL. | It uses Oracle Corporation’s PL/SQL database language. |
| How to schedule jobs | SQL Server Agent feature allows end-users to schedule jobs. | Users can schedule jobs using the Oracle Scheduler or Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM) feature. |
| Installing indexes for bit mapping | MS SQL Server does not contain any keys, features, or functions for indexing bit maps. | Oracle contains reverse keys for bit map indexing. |
| Query Optimizations | End-users cannot optimize queries with MS SQL Server. | End-users can optimize queries using the Star query optimization feature. |
| Triggers | End-users have the option of using numerous ‘after’ triggers. | End-user can operate a wide range of both ‘before’ or ‘after’ triggers. |
| Troubleshooting support | End-user can download free technical notes, scripts, and bug descriptions resolving the problems they face using MS SQL. | End-users have to pay a charge for the technical support they receive depending on their severity. |
| Rollback | MS SQL Server does not allow end-users to roll back at any time during transaction processing. | Oracle Database allows end-users to roll back at the time of transaction processing. |
| Concurrent accesses | MS SQL Server does not permit end users concurrent accesses during transaction processing as extends wait time. | Oracle database does allow end-users concurrent accesses, and wait time is relatively short. |
| Value change | End-users can change value immediately before a commit with MS SQL Server. | End-users cannot change the value before a commit. |
| Method | MS SQL Servers operates on row and page-blocking technique. The database does not allow end-users to read a page when blocking it. | Oracle Database creates a backup of the original data. This enables end-users to read and modifies it at the same time. |
| Error handling | MS SQL Server processes and executes each query command separately. This makes it difficult for end-users to rectify their error during transaction processing. | Oracle regards every database the end-users create as a sperate and new transaction. |
| Automation Support | SQL upgrade advisor provides end-users with instant automation support. | The database upgrade assistant allows end-users to avail hassle-free automation support. |
| Parallel Execution | In MS SQL Server, end users can only execute INSERT, UPDATE, and Delete query statements serially. | In Oracle Database, end-users can execute relevant INSERT, UPDATE, MERGE or DELETE query statements simultaneously. |
| Backup | MS SQL Server provides users with full, incremental, or partial backup options. | With Oracle Database, end users can opt for differential, full, incremental, or file-level backup. |
| Protection | End-users can activate login authentication features either at the instance or database level. | Users can activate authentication features through their OS roles or database credentials. |
In conclusion, it can be said that businesses should select the best database products according to their specific needs. In doing so, they need to consider their budget allocation, relevant maintenance costs, support, and security features. In this way, they can get the best server for their needs.
