Re: MS SQL Server DBA asks for some Oracle & UNIX advice

Honestly? I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

I think the Unix side of things is actually going to be harder to deal with than the Oracle, but there are enough posts here from SQL Server people that indicate a certain 'mindset' or approach which doesn't translate neatly over to Oracle, so it's not a simple skills-translation situation. (And I'm sure the converse would apply, too).

However, you may be the kind of person who works long hours, then goes home and studies for another 8, so I can't rule out the possibility that you have the drive and dedication needed for the task.

Me, on the other hand, I know... and I'd be looking for at least an Oracle job in an NT environment.

Regards
HJR

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"John Morrow" <morrowj_at_bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:Pqoz5.324$103.1968_at_news1.atl...


> (please also reply directly to me at

> morrowj_at_bellsouth.net )

>

> Situation:  I'm a MS SQL Server (version 7.0) junior

> DBA.  Fluent in transact SQL, relational databases, and

> have managed some databases in SQL Server for 2 years

>

> Opportunity knocks:  Medical school needs a DBA to

> manage a new database for  them.  It's in Unix, and

> it's a proprietary database running in Oracle.  They

> like me personally, and don't really know much about

> this new system they're buying into.

>

> Dilemma:  Since I'm only used to Windows NT platforms,

> have never touched Unix, have never touched Oracle, and

> have never touched PL/SQL, I have these 2 questions:

>

> 1.  Can I learn enough about Unix on my own to manage,

> or is it a steep learning curve?

>

> 2.  Ditto for Oracle:  Can one teach oneself enough to

> do a good job, or is it so different from SQL Server

> that I need to take a formal course?  (I don't know the

> Oracle version, let's assume it's at least 8 if not 8i)

>

> I do NOT want to just "get by", I have very high

> standards for myself.  Therefore, I don't want to be a

> crippled DBA in this situation.  I'd rather advise them

> to look for a Unix/Oracle person.

>

> What would you do?

>

> [Many MANY thanx in advance for all opinions!]

>

> John Morrow

> Winston-Salem NC

>

> work:  jmorrow_at_wka.com

> home: morrowj_at_bellsouth.net

>

>

>

>

>

>