Re: Hardware Recommendations for new Oracle Server

"Keith Boulton" <kboulton_at_ntlunspam-world.com> wrote

> However, UNIX boxes are easy to configure.

Hehehe.. this is something that the NT crowd with very much disagree with, given their WIMP way of doing things. :-)

But I agree with you - Unix and Oracle are very much alike. You can roll up your sleeves, fire up the command line, and do it "properly". Unlike NT and SQL-Server with their GUI's which fails to provide the power and flexibility that a commandline interface (with text-based config files) gives.

> The problem with NT is that there is no configuration control.

The Registry is a case of all the configuration eggs in one basket. The single massive point of failure of Windows. At times I wonder wtf the kids at Redmond were thinking when they decided on the Registry concept for Windows. The problems with INI config files (with Windows 3.1 and WFW) could have been far better solved that throwing everything into a binary Registry "database".

> Partly, of course, it's because traditionally you had to manually configure
> a UNIX server when setting it up, so you got to know where everything was.

I agree. But again, most of these issues a good sys admin know all too well. And can work around with, or use special procedures to ensure that the risk that these issues cause, are minimal.

Give me Unix over NT any day. But from a business perspective where cost is a major issue, something like NT often satisfy the business requirements far better. And I believe that is our prime job - addressing business needs. By keeping them in business, we keep ourselves in business. IT/IS is a service environment. We need to look after our customers needs first and foremost. Selecting technology just for the sake of technology is stupid. Even if technology A is "better" (from a certain technical perspective) than technology B.

IOW, if the customer want a plain cheeseburger, give him that, and do not insist that he has to have a Big Mac with chips and coke on the side. :-)

--
Billy