Re: connectivity - integration Oracle - SQL server

ITAPORT06 wrote:

> I have a question about connectivity between different databases.
> Oracle, DB2400 and SQL_server.
>
> It is easy to integrate application products that are running on
> different DB platforms?
> What products can be used to achieve this? Our consultant is
> mentioning .NET but then we have to run everything on SQL server.
>
> Currently we are running on Oracle but our third party generic
> applications are first developed for SQL server and later ported to
> Oracle (So Oracle has no priority for them)
>
> We are now looking to additional applications that are only available
> on SQL server and we like to integrate these applications in our
> current environment that is running on Oracle DB. The information I
> get is that the integration is much easier to achieve with products
> like MS .NET if all the application will run on SQL server
> Oracle seems to be less open. Do not get me wrong with less open: I
> mean that there are less integration products or programmer skills
> available on the market.
>
> We can choose to migrate totally for SQL server. Additional info: We
> run on Win2000. Hardware platforms like Unix is no issue)
>
> What is your opinion?
>

It's not easy, but it is most certainly possible. During last summer, we had to integrate an OLD (1993) Unify database with oracle 9i. I'm lucky in that I'm working with a very talented programmer who understands databases (DB2, SQL, and Oracle) very well. All I can tell you is that if you really want an honest opinion or assessment about this issue, you need to be sure you have a qualified person looking at your situation. It's been my experience A LOT of programmers (at least in Houston, TX area) are very limited in their scope of knowledge. As a result of this, I work with my friends from NYC and Conn.

I've noticed there are some exceptionally talented people on this list.   (Howard Rogers, Sybrand Baker, Daniel Morgan and other list members I can't recall now! But these are the ones who share their wisdom the most). It would be wise for you to consider hiring someone with their experience and skill level to assess your situation in a professional manner. I know if I had your situation I would definately do it.

On a final note, is this .NET consultant a "Microsoft only" person? I've noticed many consultants have limited scopes of knowledge, especially ones who present themselves as "Microsoft" experts. It's best to deal with a well-rounded person who knows several platforms and technologies. This way you get the best of both worlds. Only people who are well-rounded can show you the good and the bad of both sides. People who know just one technology or vendor will try to sell you what they know as being the best solution...because that is all they know! Received on Fri Nov 07 2003 - 20:21:51 CST