need help moving from Paradox to an SQL server...

Hi All,

I'm looking for some guidance. We currently have about 5 tables in Paradox 4.0 (for DOS) which are getting close to the Paradox file size limit (256mb). The databases are on a network file server (Novell 3.11) and we have about 5-10 users running queries constantly. The data is updated once a month from an ascii download from a PICK system, and I am the only person who has modify/write/delete access.

We have a spare 486-DX50 EISA Server with a 3GB disk and 16mb ram. We're looking to move to an SQL server on either Novell or (preferably, for speed) SCO-Unix (cost is not a major issue, but should be limited to around $10k-15k). I would also _like_ to keep Paradox as my front end (using Paradox SQL-Link) so I don't have to retrain my users (if not, then what would be good? I would like the front end to run in Windows/DOS and allow printing to my Novell printers).

My estimates show the databases growing to about 500MB-1GB (each) within the next 3-5 years, so I need something that will allow for that growth while retaining query speed as the tables grow. I'm also looking for it to be

• easy to install/configure/optimize
• allow security on the file/user level (ie, you & her can't touch this table, but I can and so can they...)
• able to import a wide variety of file formats (especially ascii delimited)
• able to integrate well into a Novell/MS-Windows/tcp-ip environment (especially if running on Unix).
• able to support multiple queries by the same user
• allow unlimited table size (terra-bytes are unlimited)
• able to support critical events/triggers
• rich in development tools (both proprietary and 3rd party)
• excellent in user support (tech supp + news groups...)
• supported after new releases are available.
• so fast that if you blink you'll miss it!

Can anyone tell me their experiences/recommendations based on the above information?

Thanks in advance to all who respond, if requested, I'll summarize and post/email.

Ron Daubel
InterNet : rond_at_delbruck.pharm.sunysb.edu (129.49.110.3)

snail Mail : Ron Daubel              Phone: (516) 694-4000
             ChoiceCare LI           Fax  : (516) 694-5780
             395 N. Service Rd.
             Melville, NY 11747

"I am not a number, I am a free man!" Received on Tue May 25 1993 - 18:22:49 CEST