Though there may be many similarities between Oracle and SQL servers, there are also some differences including differences in the scope and syntax of their respective SQL languages, platform support, etc. SQL server is simple to install, manage and support when compared to Oracle.
Below are some of the differences between Oracle and SQL Database management systems:
Operating Systems:
SQL server will work only on an x86 based computer which operates a version of Microsoft Windows Server. Whereas Oracle database software supports the computers that operate on Windows XP and Windows Server 2000 and above, AIX, Solaris, Unix and Linux.
SQL Languages:
SQL Server uses a SQL programming language called Transact SQL, or T SQL. Its capabilities include control of flow language, local variables, support functions to process strings, dates and mathematics, etc. SQL or PL/SQL are the procedural languages used by Oracle. PL/SQL is more robust than T SQL, and provides support for object oriented languages such as Java, 3GL routines and arrays.
Security:
SQL servers are better secured than the Oracle server. According to a 2006 comparison reported by David Lichtfield, Microsoft addressed 59 vulnerabilities to its SQL Server 7, 2000 and 2005 databases, whereas, Oracle addressed 233 flaws with its Oracle 8, 9 and 10g databases.
Software Editions:
SQL server 2008 exists in three editions that is a core edition, SQL Server Standard and editions for work group, web applications or developer. Oracle offers a total of three products and they are Enterprise, Standard and the free Personal editions.
Features:
SQL Server generally costs less to license and maintain. It also has additional features like OLAP and data mining with its software, whereas, Oracle which is costlier than SQL, charges separately for each component.
Usability:
SQL Server is easier to install, use and manage when compared to its Oracle counterpart. Oracle database allows for more fine tuning on its configuration.
By observing the above differences, one can adopt the suitable DBMS system for their use.
You did a great job in differentiating Oracle from SQL…It’s still your decision whether to use the Oracle or SQL.