What database can we use?

[Antoniov.]

We have to install SAP suite software and choice database between SqlServer and Oracle. We have to install it for another application too.
Who has experience about these two software?

Any help will be appreciated!

Antonio Vigliotti

[lowster]

I've used sql for about a week now without any hooks, when there's a snag I'll be sure to post and let you know, as for I to am courius, somebody out there should know.

[Igor Karasik]

Both will do the job. The rest is
marketing.
IMHO, if you have Microsoft environment and good Microsoft support - go to SQL.
Note also Oracle competes with SAP in the ERP, especially after Oracle buy PeopleSoft

[Alex Lavrov.]

Oracle + Windows = Headache

That's from my personal experience ...

[Jon Finley]

Either DB will do a good job.

I know of two different HR departments that are running SAP under Oracle and SQL. Each shop chose the different DB based on the strengths of their DBA teams.

Jon

[Jay Bollyn]

Hi Antonio,

I don't have any experience with SAP.

We like SQL. It seems like every time I turn around, there is some app that needs SQL. Lately, it was WSUS; before that it was SMS.

There are many free TechNet webcasts to help you with SQL.

It's a MS world!

- Jay

[Antoniov.]

Thank you for your response.

Igor,
marketing is very important but every product has its own feature.

Alex,
may you tell me more about your experience Oracle + Windows?

Jon,
can you report some other information?

I know technical characteristics of both db but I wish know about some direct experience.

Antonio Vigliotti

[Alexander M. Ermes]

Hi there.
Oracle and Windows is not that bad as it may sound. We use it for a couple of projects and it works pretty nice.
Much money for licences of OS and database.
Alternatively you can use Linux and Oracle.
THAT is a pretty good combination.
Money for Oracle.

If your budget is limited, think about Linux and MySQL.
Rgds
Alexander M. Ermes

[Alex Lavrov.]

In our organization Oracle was unstable on Windows, or should I say, Windows was not unstable under Oracle. The performance was not good, many times we had to reboot the server. Untill eventually we reached strategic desision that there will be *NO* Oracle on Windows. I must admit that it was couple of years ago, since then I had no pleasure to deal with that configuration, but the saying that MSSQL on Windows is a better choise makes sense to me.

About the last reply - MySQL. I agree that MySQL is a cute database, but I don't recomment to use it with ERP environment, after all it's still a "toy". After spending money and efforts to bring SAP into the company, to put it on MySQL is not very wise. You can't compare performance of MSSQL/Oracle to MySQL.

[Colin_29]

I have experience of both but mainly SQL-Server. Oracle is not that bad on Windows once it is configured correctly but does take a more setting up.

As was previously mentioned, it's a Microsoft World and consequently support for SQL-Server on Windows is easier to come by. Look at the balance within these forums for example.

There are many other things to consider, Backup and, more importantly, Restore is an absolute piece of cake with SQL-Server, Disaster recovery, systems resilience. Do you plan to use clustering? maybe you will use real time application replication with a product such as Neverfail (this only works with SQL-Server.

I would come down in favour of SQL-Server but any answer you get here will be personal preference.

Hope this helps
Colin

[Antoniov.]

Alexander H.,
we have not limited budget. Our focus is the best solution for us.
May you post more details about your projects? What trouble, what benefits?

Alex L.,
thank you for your detailed information about Oracle and Windows. Did you run Orace on windows 2003? I think you played windows 2000 or some other os. Isn't it?

Colin,
yes, we planned using clustered windows 2003 server. May you post why do you prefer SqlServer?

To allbodies,
we planned using Oracle and SAP on two clustered windows 2003 HP server with raid5 storage. SAP vendor hint us using SqlServer, because maintenance is simple and now we are confused.

Antonio Vigliotti

[Alex Lavrov.]

Yes, it was Windows 2000.

[Jon Finley · Accepted solution]

Resources:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/sapadm/chapter/ch01.html

http://www.sap-img.com/basis/sap-ides-installation-procedure-for-sap-install-on-w2k-server.htm

http://whitepapers.zdnet.co.uk/0,39025945,60041098p-39000534q,00.htm

http://www.microsoft-sap.com/

http://www.databasejournal.com/books/article.php/1465771

Jon

[Antoniov.]

Jon,
very interesting articles.

Antonio Vigliotti

[Colin_29]

A couple more links for you:

http://www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/Compare/sql_server_vs_oracle.htm

http://www.angrycoder.com/article.aspx?cid=1&y=2001&m=6&d=4

Colin

[Antoniov.]

Colin,
10 points for you!
Your links can help me.

Antonio Vigliotti