Re: Informix vs. Sybase vs. Oracle vs. (gasp) MS SQL Server

Michael Segel wrote:
>
> Anthony Mandic wrote:
>
> > > Row level locking is quite important in some instances. I also agree with his
> > > statement that to defend Sybase by saying that YOU don't think row level
> > > locking is important is silly.
> >
> > I think the claims being made are specious without any hard
> > evidence to back them up. I have yet to see any. Can you or
> > anyone else provide a concrete example?
>
> Gee I mention hotel reservation systems. Yet you seem to let it slide in to the vapor.

	No, I posted saying that a server wouldn't be busy enough to be able
	to prove any problems.

> Airline reservations, etc ...
> The point is that there *ARE* applications which bennifit by having row level
> locking.

	Once again, it would depend on how everything was designed. If all the
	seats on a flight were blocked while a passenger decides on which one
	to take, other reservees (sp?) would be blocked. Not locking means
	that its then pot lock (sorry sir, that one was just taken). So,
	which one is used? Is there any other alternative?

> As Pablo pointed out, yes, there is overhead involved. Yet, that is always the case.
> Costs vs. Bennifits. Row level locking has some bennifits which out weigh the costs.

        Yes, this is obviously true.

> Now, as I said earlier, arguing that product B is better because it lacks an option that
> product A has, is silly. Its like saying that your car is a better car because it has disc
> breaks, over a car which has anti lock disc breaks. OK? Now do you see my point.

	Not quite, you've been swapping the argument around. I've been
	saying that its unimportant. Its not really needed in a well
	designed app. Saying that it is a neccessity is specious.

	As for car breaks - as long as they work, does it matter?
	Worn or wet breaks don't work nearly as well. Some top
	car makers are going back to drum breaks. Why?

> Why don't you tell us what features Sybase has that Informix doesn't?

	Why? this will only further this futile debate. An extensive
	feature set is only a marketing tool. How many do you really
	use?

-am Received on Tue Dec 02 1997 - 00:00:00 CET