Conference ulysse::rdb_vms_competition

92.0. "Oracle/PC Connectivity" by PTOMVX::SMITH () Tue Mar 15 1988 05:44

I am about to visit a customer who is about to select Oracle over Rdb
because (all together now) - "It runs on everything".
Specifically, they are interested in the ability to extract subsets
of databases down to a PC database.  

I have perused most of the Oracle stuff in this conference and have found it 
to be quite useful.  I would like to outline my plan of attack and see if
it might hold water and solicit suggestions or condolences.  The suggested
strategy is:

(1) DSRI and third party software vendors (Powerhouse, Intellect, etc.) versus
    a single vendor solution.

(2) SQL for application portability across hardware platforms.

(3) Data extraction from Rdb databases and the use of our PC connectivity
    products to simplify import into ANY PC database.

    This is the area of concern.  Do we have anything on the horizon that
    might be a little more transparent like Oracle can (presumably) offer?
    How good is SQL*NET, etc.?  I understand this would require nondisclosure
    but will not persue it unless we have a story to tell.

Thanks very much for any words of advice,

Jim Smith

    Remember that FOCUS/PC is exactly the same implementation as FOCUS/VAX.
    The code is completely portable. Powerhouse is also now available
    for the PC.
    
    SQL*NET is not much to worry about. The network they use is DECnet.
    What Oracle really does is to execute file transfers from remote
    nodes. If that is a big issue, look at ACCESS/STAR. It has similar
    properties to SQL*NET, but will not create software dependencies
    at the database level. Push the software dependency issue. Where
    are costs rising, software or hardware? Where will your exepnses
    rise? , etc.
    
    ---- Michael Booth