MS SQL Server DBA asks for some Oracle & UNIX advice

(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 Received on Sun Sep 24 2000 - 09:43:13 CDT