Oracle8i Spatial, R 8.1.7 EE

Need help on Oracle8i Spatial – Release 8.1.7.

I'm designing a spatial Oracle database using Oracle8i-Release 8.1.7. Enterprise Edition. I read the documentation: Oracle Spatial – User's Guide and Reference (a85337-01) On page 28 f. (Chapter 1.2 Object-Relational and Relational Models) they write:

You should select the object-relational model in all cases except where the relational model is necessary for current needs. Basically, the object-relational model is preferable in cases where replication and distributed databases are not required. [...] In these environments, users can take advantage of the Oracle8i managed standby capability to get, in effect, read-only replication of database instances or tablespaces, and thus the object-relational model can be used. [...] 1.2.2 Benefits of the Relational Model: The following are some of the benefits of using the relational model, as described in Part II of this guide:
* Database replication is supported.

• Distributed databases are supported.
• Table partitioning and parallel index loading are supported.

I have to develop a distributed database and as I have to deal with a big amount of image data within this db I need to use replication. At least 'read-only replication'.

So my questions:
Is there a possibility for me to use the Object-Relational Model? If not:
When is Oracle going to implement distribution and replication for the ORM?
As I choose the relational model: How long this model going to be supported by Oracles' new releases?

Please help
Peter Dorninger Received on Sat Jul 21 2001 - 16:09:57 CDT