Multiple servers running different Oracle versions/applications 1

[RichardMoran]

Hi,

I hope someone can give me some advice on the following problem:-

I have a server which we will call Server1, running Windows NT 4.0, Oracle 7.3 for Workgroups ( I think ), and an application which we can call App1

App1 is outdated and needs replacing.

A while ago we looked at an updated system ( App2 )from the same company that wrote App1. This required 2 new servers, 1 for Oracle 9IAS, and 1 for their web based application running on Apache(NT).

One of my requirements was that we must be able to run both the old and the new applications side by side on the same workstation to help facilitate data transfers and verification. At first this was a problem for them and they wanted me to put two PCs on every desktop, but they came back a couple of weeks later with a solution. We were able to set up several machines which could access either application and it's associated Oracle database. They could be run at the same time without any problems.

Unfortunately, App2 wasn't what we wanted, so we turned to another company who produce a product conveniently called App3. This required one new server running Win2k, Oracle 8i, and the application itself.

Again I have requested that we must be able to run the current live system, and the new system side by side on the same PC. This company however, seems to suggest that it is not possible, due to conflicts with registry settings etc...

I would have thought that this sort of situation is fairly common, particularly when people are looking to upgrade. Is there an easy way to access two servers running two different versions of Oracle from the same workstation, so that the old and new applications can be run concurrently?

My knowledge of Oracle is slight to say the least, so if you could keep the replies relatively simple to begin with I would appreciate it.

Many thanks.

Rik

 

[DBAwhosaysNIE]

YUCK!!! on several levels: 7.3? M$ (anything)? client/server (sounds like)?

are you wanting concurrent versions on the server, client(s) or both? if you're wanting to do it on the server that's a profoundly BAD idea on an M$ box (not an especially good one in *nix either). if you're just wanting it for clients (SMEs, etc.) would terminal server work (for new version till cutover)?

 

[RichardMoran]

DBAwhosaysNIE,

The two different versions of Oracle, would be running on completely separate servers dedicated to their own specific business app.

I don't know much about installation/configuration of Oracle, but I'm assuming that the whole issue is with the client side of Oracle. Is it the case that the client side of the install can only point to one database/server at a time? ( without manually pointing it elsewhere )

Without knowing an Oracle solution, the only thing that came to mind immediately was Citrix/Terminal Server ( as you also mentioned ) for the short term until we go live.

It seems the easiest solution to get around the issue, but I was hoping to find an Oracle solution in case it crops up again.

If you think that it would be really messy or over complicated to get the client workstations running these apps at the same time purely through local configuration, then I'll go with the Citrix solution. It's not ideal due to the flakey nature of printing through Citrix, but at least I know I should be able to roll out the new app quickly. I only really have a day and half to finalise a solution.

Rik

 

[sem]

In fact it's not a problem. There is a number of known (though resolvable) issues:

1. Different Oracle versions must be installed into different Oracle Homes.
2. Sql*Net settings should be set for each home sparately. You may share that settings among several homes by seting TNS_ADMIN environment variable.

I have 3 different clients on my W2K PC: 8.0.6, 8.1.7 and 9.0.2 and each of them successfully works with the same set of databases from 8.0.5 to 9.2.0 installed on W2K, HP-UX, Solaris and Linux.

With the information provided I'd suggest you to be careful with that company because their competence seems to be doubtful :-(

Regards, Dima

http://seminihin.narod.ru

 

[RichardMoran]

Thanks,

I was slightly worried about their competence myself. As the previous company had managed it, I assumed that the new one would have DBA's who are capable of doing the same thing.

I have a support guy I use from another company who may be able to set something up for me, but if not I'll use Citrix for now, due to time restraints.

Thank you both for your comments, they were appreciated.

Rik