Re: Oracle Installation Experiences

dhuet_at_DHUET-PC wrote:
: > mitchj_at_VNET.IBM.COM wrote:
: > : The installation of the Oracle7 server was tedious and a labor
: > : intensive process. A significant amount of time was expended on
: > : preparation and system setup. For example, the product's entire
: > : directory structure had to be manually created and primed.
 

: As a systems engineer with Oracle that has installed on several different
: platforms, I will not deny that on some platforms there are installation
: problems. These arise from the fact that it is difficult to keep installation
: programs that are consistent across all platforms. The Oracle install group has
: been aware of the problem for some time, and has asked internal and external
: customers for opinions about how to improve these procedures. In my latest
: installations on mostly Unix platforms I have been pleased with the
: improvements.

There are some pretty obvious things that should be done to the oracle install procedures, like try them before they are shipped. I know that since you support a lot of platforms it is a big job, but hey, that's why they pay you so much money. Here are some other tips:

1. separate the "installing" from the "customizing".
2. check for prerequisites (like cobol or some wierd libraries)
3. add some intelligence to the install scripts. (I ran one, it failed, and changed the permissions on my /etc directory to 600)
4. totally replace that huge install guide with something usable.
5. test the stuff on some real people.

I have to wonder if the horrible install stuff is a trick to sell oracle service hours. I doubt it, because even the oracle dudes can't install the product.

When it runs, it might run good, but the general feeling from our customers is this: "if the quality of the install program is this bad, is my data safe?"

--
Mick